Genetically-modified corn case study
New Zealand law has zero tolerance for genetically-modified organisms that have not been approved to grow here. This has required stringent investigation and potential neutralisation.
Zero tolerance for genetically modified organisms
Under the provisions of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, genetically-modified (GM) organisms need approval to be allowed into the country. This means that approval is needed to grow GM seed here. No approvals to grow GM seed have been granted.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) requires all seed imported into New Zealand, for which GM versions are commercially available, to be tested to ensure there is no unapproved GM seed present.
If any GM seed is found, the seeds are not allowed into the country.
“Operation Cracked Kernel” – devitalizing the grain
Audit of a testing laboratory in the United States indicated some concern with the way results were reported. Re-testing was undertaken for seed consignments imported the previous season.
The re-testing found some seed positive for a Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) approved modified ‘construct’ in seed grown over the 2003-04 season. During the growing season, the grain was harvested, dried, stored and devitalised.
“Operation Sand” – another annoying grain
When Quality Assurance tests undertaken by a private organisation prior to processing grain had shown the presence of GM Maize, it notified the supplier, who in turn informed MAF Biosecurity New Zealand.
The resulting investigation (Operation Sand) related to 13,500 tonnes of maize grown in the upper North Island. Testing confirmed that 1,000 tonnes of the 13,500 tonnes quarantined by MAF Biosecurity New Zealand was of particular interest.
Further investigation showed the GM presence was due to contamination from GM soy flour which had previously been stored in the same holding area.
Zero tolerance for genetically modified organisms
Under the provisions of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, genetically-modified (GM) organisms need approval to be allowed into the country. This means that approval is needed to grow GM seed here. No approvals to grow GM seed have been granted.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) requires all seed imported into New Zealand, for which GM versions are commercially available, to be tested to ensure there is no unapproved GM seed present.
If any GM seed is found, the seeds are not allowed into the country.
“Operation Cracked Kernel” – devitalizing the grain
Audit of a testing laboratory in the United States indicated some concern with the way results were reported. Re-testing was undertaken for seed consignments imported the previous season.
The re-testing found some seed positive for a Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) approved modified ‘construct’ in seed grown over the 2003-04 season. During the growing season, the grain was harvested, dried, stored and devitalised.
“Operation Sand” – another annoying grain
When Quality Assurance tests undertaken by a private organisation prior to processing grain had shown the presence of GM Maize, it notified the supplier, who in turn informed MAF Biosecurity New Zealand.
The resulting investigation (Operation Sand) related to 13,500 tonnes of maize grown in the upper North Island. Testing confirmed that 1,000 tonnes of the 13,500 tonnes quarantined by MAF Biosecurity New Zealand was of particular interest.
Further investigation showed the GM presence was due to contamination from GM soy flour which had previously been stored in the same holding area.