Initial checks by the Ministry of Health indicate that batches of medical products made from illegally-taken human body parts were not commercially imported into New Zealand.

The Ministry of Health monitors recalls conducted by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and investigates any issues that may involve New Zealand, says Chief Clinical Advisor Dr Sandy Dawson.

Four recalls were notified by the FDA but only one of these could have involved New Zealand. The recall currently affecting Australia was specific to Australia, the United States and Korea.

?We believe the likelihood that any affected batches have been brought into this country is very low but we are double checking with doctors in New Zealand.

?We will be asking them to inform us urgently and contact their patients immediately if they have privately imported the particular batches of these products.?

If any patients have been given tissue from the batches in question they will be advised to undergo blood tests for HIV/Aids, Hepatitis C and syphillis.

New regulations specifically covering tissue will be introduced under proposed new legislation for the first time in New Zealand with the establishment of the Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Authority.

The legislation will require such products to be registered before use and for clinicians to report the use of any unregistered medicines, medical devices, cells or tissues to the authority. The use of these products could be tracked if necessary.

Anyone who has had cosmetic or reconstructive surgery in Australia and believes they may have received one of these affected products should contact the surgeon or hospital where they were treated for more information.

If the Ministry of Health becomes aware the affected batches of product have been used in New Zealand we will provide further advice to patients through the specialists and hospitals involved.

Punters, Scoop has opened the gate. We want your video podcasts (Interested? Drop Selwyn an email via Selwyn@scoop.co.nz). Also discussed was how Labour MP's seem intent on digging into union politics.

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- Selwyn Manning presents Scoop's daily podcast, today reporting on Japan's hold on the IWC. Legalised commercial whaling was narrowly avoided due to a 75% vote requirement that ensures a 20 year moratorium prohibiting the hunting of whales for profit remains. But Japan vows to continue its slaughter… in the name of science. See... Video-Podcast: Japan Stacks Deck At Whaling Conf.

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and Radio Adelaide 's Peter Godfrey discuss: NZ News Round-up including Snow bites deeper in South Island; Twin boys homicide inquiry continues; NZ's Nats call for Aid money to buy Pacific anti-whaling votes.

and RDU's Wammo discuss: Maori Party co-leader Dr Pita Sharples has pulled his support for Dr Wayne Mapp's controversial Bill; Japan's schools for whales programme; Another example of bad journalism - this time in the listener; getting the facts straight with John Key, When can we ride the gravy train?

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