Growth hormone approval delayed

Press, 30 August 1985, Page 4

Growth hormone approval delayed

PA Wellington The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Moyle, has delayed final approval for the use of

two hormonal growth promotants until the European Economic Community decides whether to approve such promotants. The products, Compudose and Synovex, have recently been approved for licensing by the Animal Remedies Board, but the Minister’s approval for their sale and use has to be notified in the Gazette.

The permanent veterinary committee of the E.E.C. was due to meet next month and the E.E.C. Council of Ministers would also discuss

the approval or banning of natural hormones as growth promotants later this year, Mr Moyle said.

“Until the position of the E.E.C. authorities is clarified I shall withhold final approval of these products.” Both products were safe and could bring about significant increases in beef production, but approval at this stage could jeopardise trade in beef and beef offals in Europe.

An added danger was, the

possibility of a subsequent effect on sales of New Zealand lamb through public opposition to the use of such promotants, Mr Moyle said.