Fears PM Faces Pressures From US To Back Down On GM Labels

The discussions over free trade in the US this week may well involve Prime Minister Helen Clark being pressured to back down on labelling and import of genetically engineered - GE foods.

'Lobbying behind the scenes on the GE issue has become commonplace over the past few years,' said a representative from GE Free New Zealand.' There are signs that many countries who are unhappy about the importation of GE foods, are being threatened by trade tariffs, and WTO rulings.'

Recent reports from around the world, including a UK Royal Society report, highlight the need for more testing to ensure the safety of crops and the resultant foods.

Trade tariffs were initially threatened nearly 5 years ago by US ambassador Josiah Beeman when the issues of GE labelling was first raised by Neil Kirton.

There is a concern US companies like Monsanto will lobby President Bush to help promote their products despite consumer resistance and demands for labelling

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