Australia’s deregulation of gene edited foods moves forward despite organic industry opposition

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has approved updated definitions for genetically modified (GM) food in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code)…

Following a review under Proposal P1055, “Definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques,” the GM definitions have been modernized to address advances in gene technologies and maintain strong food safety protections.

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The new definition is based on the introduction of “novel DNA” in an organism or cells. Genetic changes that occur naturally or from conventional breeding will not be captured as GM. 

The FSANZ approval now moves to Australian and New Zealand food ministers, who have 60 days to consider FSANZ’s decision.

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Some segments of the food industry oppose the updates. For example, trade group Australian Organic Ltd., which represents the Australian organic industry, is calling on state and federal food ministers to reflect the FSANZ decision, claiming that it would strip consumers of their right to know whether the food they eat has been genetically modified or gene edited. 

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