Second Call for Submissions: P1055 Definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques

Overview

FSANZ has assessed Proposal P1055 to amend the definitions for ‘food produced using gene technology’ and ‘gene technology’ in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). Proposed changes will introduce a new definition for ‘genetically modified food’ to clarify what foods are genetically modified (GM) foods for Code purposes. All GM food available for sale in Australia and New Zealand must have been assessed for safety by FSANZ and expressly permitted by the Code.

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). NBTs can introduce a wide variety of genetic modifications, including changes that are like those from conventional breeding. This means a clear distinction between GM techniques and conventional breeding no longer exists. Our assessment has concluded that when a food derived using NBTs is equivalent in its characteristics to food derived through conventional breeding, it also presents the same low risk. Because of this low risk, a pre-market safety assessment by FSANZ is not needed, and such food should therefore not be GM food for Code purposes.

We completed a first round of statutory public consultation on this work in December 2021. Following consideration of submitter feedback and based on the available evidence and the reasons set out in this second call for submissions, FSANZ has revised its proposed approach and prepared a draft variation to the Code.

FSANZ has provided public notification and now welcomes your submission to assist with consideration of the proposal.

Consultation papers and application

The consultation documents are provided below. Please read these documents before preparing your submission. 

• Second call for submissions report (PDF 1.2MB).
• Supporting document 1 - Updated compilation of regulatory approaches (PDF 304KB).
• Supporting document 2 - Cost benefit considerations (PDF 336KB).

You can find further background information on P1055 on the FSANZ website. 

Why your views matter

FSANZ invites and welcomes public and stakeholder input into standard setting processes. Your views will help us ensure food standards continue to protect public health and safety while supporting an effective, transparent and accountable regulatory framework for industry and food authorities.

How to make a submission

The Consultation Hub is FSANZ's platform for public consultation. We have set up response fields to assist you in completing your submission. Please refer to the consultation documents in preparing your submission. Once you begin, you can save your progress and complete your submission before the consultation closes on 10 September 2024, at 6pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

For information on how FSANZ manages personal information when you make a submission, see FSANZ’s Privacy Policy. 

What happens next

Consultation on Proposal P1055 - Definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques has closed. Submissions received will now be considered as part of the assessment process.