Part 3. Labelling of GM Foods
Do GM foods have to be labelled?
Yes, GM foods, ingredients, additives, or processing aids which contain novel DNA or protein that has come from an approved GM food must be labelled with the words ‘genetically modified’. See Standard 1.5.2 in the Food Standards Code
Labelling is also required when genetic modification has resulted in an altered characteristic in the GM food, such as a change in the nutritional components in the food, compared with the non-GM form. For example, high oleic acid soy beans.
GM foods are labelled to help consumers make an informed choice about the food they buy. They are not labelled for safety reasons, as only those GM foods assessed by FSANZ as safe are approved for sale.
Where will I find GM on the label?
You will find the statement ‘genetically modified’ on the label either next to the name of the food, for example Genetically modified soy beans, or in association with the specific ingredient in the ingredient list, for example:flour, soy (genetically modified). If the food is unpackaged, then the information must be displayed on or in connection with the display of the food at the point of sale, for example Genetically modified soy beans on the container of loose dried soy beans.
Are some foods excluded from GM labelling?
There are some exemptions to the GM food labelling requirements. Foods that do not need to be labelled as genetically modified include highly refined foods, such as sugars and oils, where the process has removed DNA and protein from the food , including novel DNA and novel protein.
In addition, labelling is not required where there is no more than 1% (per ingredient) of an approved GM food unintentionally present in a non-GM food. This means labelling is not required where a manufacturer genuinely orders non-GM ingredients but finds that up to 1% of an approved GM ingredient is accidentally mixed in non-GM ingredient. There is zero tolerance however for the presence of an unapproved GM food in the food supply, even if it is unintentional.
What about food I buy in restaurants?
Food intended for immediate consumption that is prepared and sold from food premises and vending vehicles (e.g. restaurants, takeaway food outlets, caterers ) is also exempt from GM food labelling requirements. In these cases the food business must supply consumers with information about the product which is not misleading or untruthful.
What about ‘GM free’ and ‘non-GM’ claims?
GM free and non-GM claims are made voluntarily by food manufacturers and are subject to relevant fair trading laws in Australia and New Zealand which prohibit representations about food that are, or likely to be, false, misleading or deceptive. More information on fair trade legislation is available from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and New Zealand Commerce Commission websites.
Review on Food Labelling Law and Policy
A review of Food Labelling Law and Policy is currently underway in Australia. GM labelling is one of the issues being considered by the review.