Published
Food ministers from Australia and New Zealand are now considering a proposal to modernise how genetically modified (GM) food is defined in the Food Standards Code, following approval by our Board.
Under the changes, outdated, process-based definitions for GM food will be replaced with clearer, outcome-based ones.
The updated definitions, developed through Proposal P1055 – Definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques, bring the Code into line with current science and international regulatory approaches used in economies like Canada, Japan and England.
Foods produced using new breeding techniques, such as forms of gene editing, will not be considered GM if no novel DNA is introduced as an outcome of the genetic change. These types of changes are scientifically understood to be equivalent to those introduced through conventional breeding and, in some cases, can also occur naturally. They do not affect food safety.
For example, gene editing has been used to remove a gene in corn to change its starch content. It replicates a change that can occur naturally but does it in a more targeted and efficient way.
Requirements for mandatory GM labelling remain unchanged. Any food that meets the updated GM food definition will still require FSANZ approval and must be labelled in accordance with the Code.
The updated definitions aim to:
- provide clearer, more predictable rules for consumers, industry and regulators
- maintain strong food safety protections
- focus regulation where it matters - on foods that differ in meaningful ways
- support innovation and international alignment.
The proposal was informed by 2 rounds of public consultation and considered all submissions, which reflected strong public interest in how food is produced, labelled and regulated. Our assessment drew on scientific evidence, independent expert advice, international approaches and a cost–benefit analysis.
Ministers have 60 days to consider FSANZ's decision.