Monsanto has filed applications to sell eight genetically engineered potato, corn, and canola products in Australia and New Zealand.
The Australia/New Zealand Food Authority is seeking public comment on the applications, including those for two potato varieties with insect and virus resistance.
The applications have already been met by comments from the Green Party. A spokesperson said some of the products may already be in the food eaten by New Zealand children. Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons criticized the genetic plants.
The New Leaf potatoes have been engineered to combat Colorado potato beetle, one of the toughest economic threats to potato production in the world. Some lines are also engineered to have virus-resistant traits.
Both have been proven safe and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration in the United States.