Proposal P1055 proposes to amend the definitions for 'food produced using gene technology' and 'gene technology' in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) to ensure it is clear what foods are genetically modified (GM) for Code purposes, while also ensuring that foods are regulated according to the risk they pose. FSANZ has prepared a draft variation to the Code, which extends across six food standards and four schedules. Key aspects include:
− Repealing the existing definitions for 'food produced using gene technology' and 'gene technology' and replacing them with a new definition for 'genetically modified food' based around the presence of novel DNA in the organism from which the food is derived;
− Explicit exclusions from the GM food definition for substances added to food, substances used in cell culture media for the production of cell-cultured food, and food from null segregant organisms and grafted plants;
− New definitions for 'novel DNA', 'novel protein' and 'null segregant'.
The primary objective of the Proposal is to ensure clarity on which foods are GM foods for Code purposes, while also accommodating new and emerging technologies for genetic modification and changes in the international regulatory context. The proposed amendments would provide a clear definition for GM food for enforcement purposes and reduce uncertainty about which foods require pre-market assessment as GM foods, while continuing to protect public health and safety.
No transition period is proposed. The proposed variations to the six Standards and four Schedules are:
− unlikely to have any impact on products currently on the market; or
− are deregulatory in nature and provide exemptions to current requirements for products on the market.
The standard 12 month stock in trade provisions in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code will apply. We are notifying other aspects of these measures under the Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement.
|