NZ approval for GM cattle tests

The New Zealand authorities have given approval for a controversial genetic engineering project in which cattle will produce milk containing human proteins.

The genetically-modified (GM) milk could prove beneficial in treating human medical conditions.

Environmentalists strongly oppose New Zealand becoming involved in GM research, partly on the grounds that its image as a healthy dairy and sheep producing nation could be harmed.

The New Zealand Green Party has threatened in the past to withdraw its support from the governing Labour Party coalition.

The permission to go ahead with experiments is limited to seven years and is subject to strict conditions, including guarantees that experimental cattle will not enter the human food chain.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service