Public comment wanted on FSANZ's safety evaluation of a new GM food
20 March 2009
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today invited individuals and organisations with an interest in the regulation of food to provide information and comment on an application to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
The application is seeking approval for food derived from a genetically modified soybean, which must undergo a safety evaluation by FSANZ before it can be sold in Australia and New Zealand.
Submissions should reach FSANZ by Friday 1 May 2009.
Food derived from herbicide-tolerant soybean line DP-356043-5 (Application A1006 – First Assessment)
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. has requested an amendment to the Food Standards Code to permit the sale and use of food derived from a new genetically modified (GM) variety of soybean that is tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate and to an acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting class of herbicides. FSANZ has conducted a safety assessment on this GM soybean, which revealed no public health or safety concerns. We seek comment on our safety assessment.
Submissions: FSANZ welcomes public comment from industry, public health professionals, government agencies and consumers. Details of all the assessments above can be found on www.foodstandards.gov.au .
Media contact: Lydia Buchtmann 0401 714 265 (Australia) or
+61 401 714 265 (from New Zealand)