This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Official Information request 'Food additives'.



 
OIA22-0263 
31 March 2022 
 
Jody Muntz 
 
[FYI request #18670 email] 
 
 
Dear Jody Muntz 
 
I refer to your email of 24 February 2022 to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) requesting 
information related to HEK 293 and food additives. On 3 March 2022 the Ministry for Primary 
Industries (MPI) accepted a transfer of your request from DIA in our capacity as  lead agency for 
food safety. Your request has been considered under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA).  
 
You requested:  
 
Are there foods or products imported into New Zealand or produced in Nz containing 
the food additive hek293 or fetal cell lines made by the company senomyx. Including 
carbonated beverages, lollies, fast food chain foods or any other products including 
vaccines. 
 
New Zealand Food Safety (part of MPI) has noted reports that a US company, Senomyx, used 
genetic material original y derived from human embryonic kidney cells in their research and 
development of food flavours/additives. This material is not used in the actual production of any 
ingredients used in food. 
 
Human foetuses are not used as food ingredients, including flavour enhancing food additives, in 
New Zealand or international y. Therefore, the part of your request relating to information on HEK 
293/foetal cell lines used as food additives in New Zealand is declined under section 18(g)(i) of the 
OIA, as the information requested is not held by the department and the person dealing with the 
request has no grounds for believing that the information is held by another department or venture 
or Minister of the Crown or organisation. 
 
With regards to HEK 293/foetal cell lines used in vaccines, the Ministry of Health may be able to 
assist with this part of your request. Their OIA team can be contacted at [email address].  
 
I trust the information provided is of assistance. Should you have any concerns with this 
response, I would encourage you to raise these with the Ministry for Primary Industries at 
[email address]. Alternatively, you are advised of your right to also raise 
any concerns with the Office of the Ombudsman. Contact details are: Office of the 
Ombudsman, PO Box 10152, Wellington 6143 or at [email address]
 
Yours sincerely 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dr Roger Cook 
Acting Director Food Science & Risk Assessment 
 
Pastoral House, 25 The Terrace 
PO Box 2526 
Wel ington 6140, New Zealand 
foodsafety.govt.nz