EPA consults on amendments to clarify the ‘organisms not genetically modified’ regulations

After a 2014 High Court decision raised issues with the wording of the regulations governing which organisms are defined as “not genetically modified” the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has been requested to run a consultation on proposed changes by the Minister for the Environment.

“The regulations are nearly 20 years old and the High Court decision highlighted a lack of clarity about what is and isn’t covered,” says EPA General Manager Policy and Legal Mark Patchett.

“The consultation document proposes a clarification to show that organisms and plants bred using conventional chemical and radiation treatments, which were in use on or before 29 July 1998, are not classed as genetically modified.

“It’s important to understand that New Zealand has a robust decision-making process for genetically modified organisms and the proposals in this consultation will not affect that process.”

The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act provides for the EPA to consult on changes to the regulations when directed to by the Minister. The consultation document was developed by the EPA and was approved by Cabinet on Tuesday 27 October. The consultation document is available on the EPA website (under “consultations”), along with a glossary that explains the technical terms used.

The consultation period opens on 30 October and closes on 11 December.

Once it closes the EPA will analyse the submissions and provide a summary to the Minister for the Environment, who will then decide if he wants to recommend amendments to the regulations.

For more information see our consultation page.

ENDS

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