Organics Aotearoa New Zealand's Submission Opposing increasing the allowable glyphosate residue levels in food crops.
13 May 2025
This submission represents the collective views of Aotearoa New Zealand’s organic sector.
To: New Zealand Food Safety
Date: 13 May 2025
OANZ strongly opposes increasing the allowable glyphosate residue levels in food crops.
Why We’re Opposing the Government’s Plan to Raise Glyphosate Residue Limits in Food
The New Zealand Government has quietly proposed a significant change to food safety rules: raising the maximum allowable residue limits (MRLs) for glyphosate, a controversial weedkiller widely used in agriculture.
This change would allow ten times more glyphosate residue in New Zealand food, jumping from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, a herbicide that has been linked to cancer and serious environmental harm and is being phased out or heavily restricted in many countries.
OANZ has formally opposed this proposal. We believe it threatens consumer health, New Zealand’s international trade relationships, and the integrity of our food system.
Key Concerns from Our Submission:
Health Risks: The World Health Organisation has classified glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. It’s the subject of thousands of lawsuits globally. It was recently ruled unlawfully reapproved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency due to its failure to assess cancer risks and impact on endangered species.
Environmental Harm: Glyphosate has been shown to reduce biodiversity, harm soil biology, and negatively impact pollinators, birds, and aquatic ecosystems. It’s the most-used pesticide in history, and increasing tolerance for it moves us further from sustainable food production.
Trade Risks: The European Union is moving to restrict imports of products with pesticide residues, including glyphosate. Raising our MRLS now puts New Zealand exporters at risk of losing premium access to key markets.
Policy Conflicts: This proposal runs counter to New Zealand’s sustainability and climate goals, and aligns uncomfortably with the Gene Tech Bill, which could usher in genetically engineered (GE) “Roundup Ready” crops — a system that’s already led to widespread glyphosate overuse overseas.
