Labelling genetically modified (GM) foods
What are the labelling requirements for GM foods?
Division 2, Standard 1.5.2 of theAustralia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) sets out the labelling requirements for genetically modified foods. The standard requires that food and food ingredients (including food additives and processing aids) must be labelled with the words ‘genetically modified’, if novel DNA and/or novel protein is present in the final food, or where the food has altered characteristics.
The statement must be used in conjunction with the name of the food or in association with the specific ingredient within the ingredient list.
Example for processed meat product:
Ingredients: meat (60%), reconstituted textured soy protein*, water, wheat flour, soy protein*, dehydrated potato, salt, beetroot powder, onion powder, mineral salts (450), black pepper, soy lecithin* *Genetically Modified |
Additional labelling/information requirements
Additional labelling for GM foods may be required where a GM food has ‘altered characteristics’ or where the food carries identified ethical, cultural and religious concerns with respect to the genetic modification. The term ‘altered characteristics’ means that when the GM food is compared to its conventional counterpart, it is different in relation to:
- composition or nutritional values;
- anti-nutritional factors or natural toxicants;
- factors known to cause allergic responses in particular sections of the population; or
- its intended use.
More detailed information regarding “altered characteristics” may be found in clause 7 to Standard 1.5.2.
Any GM foods or ingredients requiring additional labelling and the statements that apply are specified in Column 2 of the Table to clause 2 in Standard 1.5.2. Currently, food derived from high oleic acid soybean lines G94-1, G94-19 and G168 requires a statement to the effect that the food has been genetically modified to contain high levels of oleic acid.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes. The following foods are not GM and therefore not subject to the mandatory labelling provisions of Division 2:
- highly refined foods where the effect of the refining process is to remove novel DNA and/or novel protein;
- processing aids or food additives where novel DNA and/or novel protein is not present in the final food;
- flavours which are present in the food in a concentration of no more than 1g/kg (0.1%);
- foods, ingredients or processing aids in which the genetically modified food is unintentionally present in a quantity of no more than 10g/kg (1%) per ingredient. This tolerance level only applies where the manufacturer has sought to source non-genetically modified foods or ingredients;
- food intended for immediate consumption that is prepared and sold from food premises and vending vehicles, including restaurants, take away outlets, caterers or self-catering institutions. In these situations, consumers have the right to ask the proprietor what is in the food being purchased and whether it is from a GM source.
What about unpackaged foods?
Where genetically modified foods for retail sale are sold other than in a package (for example, unpackaged fruit and vegetables), the required information must be displayed on or in connection with the food.
Voluntary negative claims
Standard 1.5.2 is silent on the use of negative claims such as ‘GM free’ and ‘non-GM’. However, if a food product contains novel DNA and/or novel protein and a negative claim leads consumers to believe that it does not, a manufacturer may be in breach of the Australian Commonwealth, State and Territory and New Zealand fair trading legislation and food laws.
Where can I obtain further information?
Electronic versions of theAustralia New Zealand Food Standards Code,User Guide to Standard 1.5.2 and fact sheet can be obtained from the FSANZ website at www.foodstandards.gov.au or www.foodstandards.govt.nz .
Hard copies of the Code and User Guide may be also be purchased from Anstat on 03 9278 1144. Hard copies of the fact sheet are available from FSANZ’s Information Officer in Australia on 02 6271 2241, email info@foodstandards.gov.au or in New Zealand on 04 473 9942, email nz.reception@foodstandards.gov.au
Businesses may also obtain guidance on the GM labelling requirements in Standard 1.5.2 through the Code Information Helpline on 1 300 652 166 (Australia) and 0 0800 441 571 (New Zealand) or by email at advice@foodstandards.gov.au
August 2003