July 21, 2000
The Environmental Risk Management Authority has responded to a story in the New Zealand Herald this morning, which reported that a decision had already been made on a proposal for genetically modified cattle.
ERMA New Zealand Chief Executive Dr. Bas Walker said that a formal decision on the application had not yet been issued and it would be premature to make any statement on the decision prior to that.
However, Dr Walker confirmed that the decision was due out shortly and could be expected within the next week.
The decision relates to an application from Ag Research to field test genetically modified dairy cows. The proposed research would use a synthetic copy of a human gene, to produce a protein with the potential to develop a biopharmaceutical product. The Authority earlier approved two other parts of the application, in November 1999, to modify the composition of milk by increasing the casein component and reducing lactose.
For further information contact:
| Dr. Bas Walker Chief Executive ERMA New Zealand Tel: +64 4 473 8426 |
Karen Cronin Communications Manager ERMA New Zealand Tel: +64 4 473 8426 |