Call for comment on a new definition for genetically modified food

Published 30/07/2024

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for public comment on proposed changes to how genetically modified (GM) foods are defined in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code).  

Proposed changes developed through Proposal P1055 – Definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques include a new definition for ‘genetically modified food’. 

This is the second round of public consultation on the proposal. 

Feedback provided through the first round of consultation has been taken into account in developing new and revised definitions that are simpler and clearer.     

FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said a new Code definition for GM food is necessary to ensure regulation keeps pace with new techniques for genetic modification, collectively referred to as new breeding techniques (NBTs). 

“The purpose of the proposed new GM food definition is to clarify, in light of technology developments, what foods are GM foods for Code purposes,” Dr Cuthbert said. 

“The proposed new definition will continue to protect public health and safety while providing a clear definition for enforcement purposes, better harmonisation with regulatory approaches being adopted around the world and greater regulatory certainty for industry.” 

All GM food available for sale in Australia and New Zealand must be assessed for safety by FSANZ and expressly permitted in the Code, with permitted GM foods subject to mandatory labelling. This will continue to be the case under the proposed changes.