February 14, 2005

Australian poultry producers ban on GM chicken feed ban

Australia's three major poultry producers have confirmed a ban on GM chicken feed, although no deadline has yet been set as to when the ban on genetically modified (GM) grain in their chicken feed will be carried out.

Last week Inghams, Baiada and Bartter Steggles announced a ban on all GM soybeans as feed.

Bartter's chairman Peter Bartter says the decision is based on improved access to GM-free ports, not a consumer backlash. "We're working at it, but it's pretty hard for us to give a definite number at this stage," he said.