3 Nov 2009

GE corn not likely to be in NZ

8:18 am on 3 November 2009

The organisation overseeing food standards says it is extremely unlikely a genetically engineered corn not approved in Europe is present in New Zealand.

The corn, developed by US agricultural giant Monsanto, is intended for animal feed but has also been approved for human consumption in New Zealand since December 2007.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand spokesperson Lydia Buchtmann says Monsanto has withdrawn its European application for commercial reasons, and not because of safety concerns.

She says despite receiving approval it is extremely unlikely the corn is present in either Australia or New Zealand.