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The approval of a growth hormone made with the help of genetic engineering which can make pigs put on up to 20% more weight has angered the Green Party.
The hormone, Porcine Somatotropin, has been cleared as safe for use by the Animal Remedies Board, but is not yet in use.
However Green MP Sue Kedgley says the hormone can lead to lameness in pigs and there is a danger that residues may remain in the meat.
She says the public should have been consulted, and the consumer has the right to know if the pork they buy has been treated with Somatropin.
But the pork industry says it does not support the use of the growth hormone.
Pork Industry Board chief executive Angus Davidson says they were consulted late in the process and tried to stop the registration, but were too late.
He says the board has seen the scientific evidence for Porcine Somatotropin and considers it safe but because of consumer resistance does not want producers to use it.
Kedgley says any treated pork should be labelled, and the Pork Industry Board should be taking a lead to ensure this happens.
Davidson says consumers buying pork with the 'New Zealand Pork' logo can be assured it has not been treated with the hormone.
