Links between anti-biotic resistance and herbicide

green-party

Sun Nov 22 2015 13:00:00 GMT+1300 (New Zealand Daylight Time)

Links between anti-biotic resistance and herbicide

Sunday, 22 November 2015, 11:56 am
Press Release: Green Party

22 November 2015

Govt needs to investigate links between anti-biotic resistance and herbicide

The National Government needs to investigate links between anti-biotic resistance and herbicides including the commonly used herbicide glyphosate after news that an anti-biotic resistant strain of campylobacter is now present in New Zealand, the Green Party said today.

“Glypohosate, the active ingredient in Roundup weedkiller, is commonly sprayed on GE soy crops around the world. GE soy is widely used in chicken feed in New Zealand, yet herbicide residue levels are not tested for in animal feed.

“University of Canterbury’s Dr Jack Heinemann has done research into the worrying effects of herbicides, including glyphosate, and how they can cause anti-biotic resistance in some bacteria.

“MPI must quickly begin residue testing the imported feeds for herbicide and other pesticide residues, and check to see if the stock feeds contain superbugs and antibiotics, or whether the superbugs are being developed in the chickens and intensive poultry sheds.

“The Government needs to consider the effect herbicide residues has on our food and the foods we use in animal agriculture to seriously to protect the health of New Zealanders, who are now being exposed to an anti-biotic resistant strain of campylobacter in everyday food,” Mr Browning said.

ends

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

a.supporter:hover {background:#EC4438!important;} @media screen and (max-width: 480px) { #byline-block div.byline-block {padding-right:16px;}}

Using Scoop for work?

Scoop is free for personal use, but you’ll need a licence for work use. This is part of our Ethical Paywall and how we fund Scoop. Join today with plans starting from less than $3 per week, plus gain access to exclusive Pro features.

Join Pro Individual Find out more

Find more from Green Party on InfoPages.