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Thought the labelling issue was over? Well ANZFA are calling for submissions on the finalising of the labelling laws that will come into effect at the end of the year (unless the industry manages to get yet another delay) The following describes why we need to put submissions in - by the end of Monday 26th Feb. Note: Labour, in their election booklet, page 14 states that "Labour will ... legally require labelling of any GM food, whether 'substantially equivalent' or not, and any food derived from GMO's" Note the last 1/2 - any food derived from GMO's - the ANZFA draft law specifically excludes oils produced from GE crops. Thus Labour HAVE NOT fulfilled their promise. Similarly the ANZFA draft law excludes food prepared on a premise. This would presumably include takeaways and bakery made bread etc. Labour state "labelling of any GM food" thus this part of the promise has also not been fulfilled. Thus you may want to heed the call to pass this on to your MP, and any Labour MP. Why is this important? Our joint food regulatory authority ANZFA have written rules for labelling GE (genetically engineered) and GE FREE food. Unfortunately much GE food will remain unlabelled due to Ministers amendments now law - GE vegetable oils, (soy, canola, cottonseed), GE sweeteners (corn syrup), GE starches, flavourings, additives and processing aids, as well as eggs, dairy products and meat produced from animals eating GE feeds (corn and soy) Food outlets will also not have to label. Tell ANZFA and Ministers as well as your MP that you are not happy about this, since it prevents you from making informed choices and forces you to consume GE foods against your will. Tell them you want all ingredients grown or produced by this untested technology to be labelled. These foods have not been tested on humans, all research is done by the chemical companies producing them and most research has not been published or peer reviewed. Some of our approvals have been based on FDA approvals, the FDA has been found to have ignored its own safety rulings in respect to GE foods. Lobbying and bullying by the US Govt is promoting these foods, as the US, who own most GE patents stands to gain. Therefore we are all part of a huge feeding experiment for which we have not given our consent. Scientific experts have told us that it may take 12 years for the effects of eating GE foods to become apparent. Our health is being affected by eating these foods now as is the health of our soil, our environment, and our biosphere. Negative labelling - GM or GE FREE may well have to abide by far stricter rules than food containing GE ingredients many of which are exempted. GE FREE producers are often smaller or family businesses. If using a GE FREE label they will have 'to support by evidence'. Although this is a good thing ANZFA have not stated in the code what evidence they will expect producers to give. We need clarification of this now prior to adoption of the code. Please write a short submission and either email to: nz.reception@anzfa.gov.au.
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