Compromise fear on GE labelling

Australian supporters of labelling genetically engineered (GE) food fear that transtasman health ministers could soften their stance on mandatory labelling when they meet next week.

The ministers meet in Wellington on July 28, when they are expected to make a final decision on the issue.

Last month, Australian Prime Minister John Howard wrote to state and territory leaders, and to his New Zealand counterpart, Helen Clark, arguing against a zero threshold.

The Australian federal Government, which like the other parties will have one vote at the meeting, wants foods with less than 1 per cent of GE ingredients exempted to reduce industry costs.

Australian Consumers Association spokeswoman Liz Munn said yesterday that there was concern some states might fall into line behind Mr Howard's suggestion.

"There certainly seems to be a fair amount of pressure to do so," she said.

"It's really hard to know what will come out of the meeting, but I suspect there will be a decision.

"I'm not confident it's going to be one that consumers will like," Liz Munn said.

Earlier yesterday, the Sydney Morning Herald reported signs were emerging that Mr Howard would succeed in his bid to dilute the health ministers' earlier plan for blanket labelling.

The paper said West Australia and the Northern Territory were understood to be siding with Mr Howard.

The Australian Capital Territory, which has been a strong supporter of a comprehensive regime, was also expected to be prepared to negotiate, it said.

However, Australian Gene Ethics Network director Bob Phelps disagreed, saying he doubted the strength of support for Mr Howard's proposition.

"I don't think any state or indeed New Zealand would be falling in line, otherwise they would have replied to him by his deadline of June 30," he said.

But Mr Phelps also expected the health ministers' meeting to produce some sort of compromise.

"I've talked to people in Queensland, Victoria, the ACT and New Zealand," he said.

"They've all told me they are looking for some way of keeping the Prime Minister somewhat happy, while also acknowledging that the public wants good labelling."

Last month, New Zealand Health Minister Annette King said New Zealand would continue to argue for labelling of all foods containing GE material.

- NZPA

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