New Zealanders are protesting transgenics--the use of human genes in cows.
Here in the USA, we are much more adaptable and willing to try new things.  The
FDA has already approved cloned milk for commercial use (milk lactoferrin has
GRAS status) and as Nicholas Kristoff of the NY Times states after drinking
it that he didn't grow 3 heads!!!  But this article does not understand the
purpose of cow-human transgenics--not too increase milk production--we have
recombinant BgH for that purpose.  The use of human genes spliced to cows is to
create infant formula more like human milk and also to use various human milk
proteins for pharmaceuticals, supplements, and vaccines.  Thought the article
worth sharing in order to raise awareness.  This new technology is the result of
research on human milk.  I always thought that research on human milk would
lead to increased breastfeeding.  Instead we seem to be entering an era where
gene technology is creating a new world.
Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC

http://www.non-gm-farmers.com/news-details.asp?ID=734
"MAdGE (Mothers Against Genetic Engineering in Food and the Environment)
today launched a highly controversial billboard campaign in Auckland and
Wellington New Zealand to provoke public debate about the social and cultural ethics of
genetic engineering.

The billboards depict a naked, genetically engineered woman with four breasts
being milked by a milking machine, and GE branded on her rump.
(See:
http://www.madge.net.nz/contact/

New Zealanders are allowing a handful of corporate scientists and
ill-informed politicians to make decisions on the ethics of GE.  Our largest science
company, AgResearch, is currently putting human genes into cows in the hope of
creating new designer milks. The ethics of such experiments have not even been
discussed by the wider public. How far will we allow them to go?  Where is the
line in the sand? Why is the government lifting the moratorium on GE when we
have not even had a public debate on ethics?said Alannah Currie Madge founder
and billboard designer.

Fonterra, New Zealand's largest milk company recently purchased the patent
rights to large amounts of human DNA from an Australian genetics company.
(Dominionpost 15.9.2003)  The mothers of New Zealand would like to know
exactly what our milk company are doing with this human DNA. We at MAdGE want an
assurance from Fonterra that they will continue to keep our milk GE
Free now and in the future and not use human genes in cows to boost milk
production.said Ms Currie."









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