Independence needed on milk review

Green Party MP Sue Kedgley has welcomed the announcement today by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority that it will appoint an internationally respected independent expert to review the science related to the A1/2 milk,

The move is in response to allegations relating to the safety of the New Zealand milk supply.

“It’s vital that the review is truly independent and transparent and dispassionately evaluates all of the scientific evidence surrounding the A1/2 issue,” Ms Kedgley says.

“I believe many New Zealanders are worried and confused about the issue, and would welcome an independent evaluation of all the evidence by a credible international expert.

“However, I am concerned that at the time of announcing the review the Authority has also repeated its claims that fears over the safety of the milk are unfounded, seemingly pre-judging the outcome of the review.

“If this is the case, the review would be an expensive waste of time. In order to ensure public confidence in this review I believe the terms of reference for the review and the appointment of the expert, should be decided by an independent body.

“This would ensure that the review was truly independent, and seen by all as credible and independent,” Ms Kedgley says.