Published
GM food labelling helps consumers make informed choices about the food they buy. It allows them to identify a GM food or a GM ingredient used in a food for sale.
GM food labelling is not about safety. All GM foods and ingredients must undergo a safety assessment and be approved before they can be sold in Australia and New Zealand.
In 2001, ministers for food regulation decided how approved GM foods must be labelled. Ministers reconfirmed these labelling requirements following an independent review of food labelling in 2011.
FSANZ completed work on Proposal P1055 – Definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques in June 2025. The purpose of this work was to modernise the definitions that determine what foods are subject to pre-market assessment and approval as GM foods. Proposal P1055 did not change the existing approach for labelling of GM foods.
Do GM foods have to be labelled?
Yes. If a GM food for sale contains novel DNA, novel protein or altered characteristics, the label statement 'genetically modified' must be used, unless an exemption applies (see below for more information about exemptions). The label statement applies if the GM food is sold directly or used as an ingredient in other foods (e.g. bread made from GM wheat flour).
Novel DNA and novel protein are defined in Standard 1.5.2 of the Food Standards Code. See below for information about altered characteristics.
GM labelling uses a ‘product-based’ approach, which means labelling is based on the GM food for sale being analytically different from non-GM counterpart food. This approach aims to provide clear information for consumers but is also practical and enforceable.
Altered characteristics
An altered characteristic is when, for example, the GM food has an altered composition or nutritional profile compared to the existing counterpart non-GM food (e.g. GM soybeans with increased oleic acid content).
FSANZ determines whether a food has altered characteristics during the assessment process. See Current GM applications and approvals for links to our assessment reports.
Approved GM foods with altered characteristics are listed in subsection S26 - 3(2) of Schedule 26 of the Food Standards Code. These GM foods must be labelled 'genetically modified' regardless of the presence of novel DNA or novel protein.
FSANZ also considers if additional labelling about the nature of any altered characteristic is required (e.g. high lysine GM corn has an additional labelling requirement to indicate it has been genetically modified to contain increased levels of lysine).
Exemptions from GM labelling
Food intended for immediate consumption that is prepared and sold from food premises and vending vehicles (e.g. restaurants, takeaway food outlets, caterers) is exempt from GM food labelling requirements. In these cases, the consumer can seek information about the food from the food business. Information supplied by the food business must not be misleading or untruthful.
GM labelling is also not required when 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 when a manufacturer genuinely orders non-GM ingredients but finds that up to 1% of an approved GM ingredient is accidentally mixed with the non-GM ingredient. Unapproved GM food is not permitted in any amount.
Where will I find GM listed on the label?
You will find the statement 'genetically modified' on the label either next to the name of the food (e.g. 'genetically modified soybeans'), or in association with the specific GM ingredient in the ingredient list (e.g. 'soy flour (genetically modified)'). If the food is unpackaged, then the information must accompany or be displayed with the food.
'GM free' and 'non-GM' claims
'GM free' and 'non-GM' claims are made voluntarily by food manufacturers and are subject to relevant consumer protection legislation 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.
Is there a list of GM foods?
FSANZ is responsible for approving GM foods and ingredients for use in the food supply in Australia and New Zealand. These permissions can be found in Schedule 26 of the Food Standards Code.
We do not maintain a list of food products in the marketplace which contain GM foods or ingredients. Food businesses may be able to provide this information.