New Risks From Proposed Changes To GE LawsThe Ministry for the Environment is calling for submissions on changes to the laboratory use and importation of genetically engineered (GE) organisms. The consultation document proposes changes to how the HSNO Act regulates laboratory research of all new organisms including genetically engineered using new biotechnologies*. The Ministry for the Environment document proposing loosening regulatory oversight for GE laboratory microbes, viruses and bacteria poses a threat to people's health and the environment. These proposals weaken monitoring of lab work and open up new risks from changes in technology and biomedical applications. Reports have found that clinical microbiologists were 65 times more likely to contract meningococcal disease from their laboratory work.

Source: Stuff August 10, 2023 04:13 UTC