Food Standards Australia New Zealand is calling for feedback on its proposal to amend the definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques, for clarity and to accommodate food produced by existing, emerging and future genetic technologies.
New definitions for 'food produced using gene technology' and 'gene technology' have not yet been developed, and changes will be informed by the first of two rounds of consultation. The first round is currently open.
The definitions in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) determine what foods are classed as genetically modified (GM) food. Currently, all GM food available for sale in Australia and New Zealand must have been assessed for safety by Food Standards Australia New Zealand and be permitted and listed in the Code.
This proposed definition changes are in response to Food Standards Australia New Zealand's 2020 Review of food derived using new breeding techniques.
