Auckland, December 21 2000 – Greenpeace today condemned Tegel for using genetically engineered soya meal in animal feed. Greenpeace activists at Tegel’s feedmill in Takinini, South Auckland stopped the production and distribution of the animal feed early this morning.

Eighteen activists, some dressed as chickens, entered the mill in the early hours of the morning and labelled animal feed bags with ‘Genetic Experiment, Warning: Contains Genetically Engineered Soy’. Climbers hung a banner off a mill silo reading ‘Tegel Chicken Feed Not Wanted,’ and the entrance was blocked with a billboard saying, ‘Tegel don’t be chicken, say no to GE.’

“Tegel Foods Limited uses genetically engineered soya meal grown in the United States. The soya meal is used in animal feed which is supplied to Tegel poultry farmers,” said Sarah Duthie, Greenpeace campaigner. “Consumers in New Zealand have expressed their concern about GE animal feed and it is time Tegel listened to them.11 A TV3/CM Research Opinion Poll asked 1000 New Zealanders, “In New Zealand poultry and pigs are being fed soy meal imported from the United States, some of which is genetically modified. Are you concerned or unconcered that New Zealand poultry and pigs are being fed genetically modified foods? – 69% of total were concerned, of which, 46% were very concerned, and 23% were somewhat concerned.” Independent tests on the imported soy confirm it is contaminated with Monsanto’s Round-up ready GE soy.22Samples of the soya meal were sent for testing to Hong Kong DNA Chips Limited in October, November and December 2000. Results revealed Roundup Ready. Photocopies of results can be obtained by phoning 025 790 817.

“GE-free commitments have already been made by companies around Europe,” said Duthie GE free soy is available from Brazil, a country that bans the growing of GE crops. “Greenpeace is calling on Tegel to make a commitment today to source GE-free soy,” said Duthie.

The activists involved in the protest included international crew members from the Greenpeace flagship, Rainbow Warrior II.

“Greenpeace opposes the irreversible release of genetically engineered organisms into the environment. As long as companies like Tegel continue to use GE ingredients in their animal feed the environment is exposed to this risk,” said Duthie.

ENDS

Greenpeace activists are currently at Tegel Foods Limited, Takinini, cnr Spartan & Westbrook Rds (see map over).
On site contact Sarah Duthie on 025 927 301 or Tamsin Vuetilovoni on 025 790 817
Video footage, photographs and background information can also be obtained by phoning Tamsin Vuetilovoni, 025 790 817.

1 A TV3/CM Research Opinion Poll asked 1000 New Zealanders, “In New Zealand poultry and pigs are being fed soy meal imported from the United States, some of which is genetically modified. Are you concerned or unconcered that New Zealand poultry and pigs are being fed genetically modified foods? – 69% of total were concerned, of which, 46% were very concerned, and 23% were somewhat concerned.
2Samples of the soya meal were sent for testing to Hong Kong DNA Chips Limited in October, November and December 2000. Results revealed Roundup Ready. Photocopies of results can be obtained by phoning 025 790 817.

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