Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on two applications to allow new processing aids from genetically modified (GM) sources.
FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the applications seek approval to permit the use of polygalacturonase and pectinesterase, enzymes sourced from a GM strain of the organism Aspergillus oryzae.
“FSANZ's safety assessment of both enzymes found no health and safety concerns for consumers in Australia and New Zealand,' Dr Cuthbert said.
“If approved, the enzymes will be used in the manufacture and/or processing of fruit and vegetable juices/products; and in the production of coffee, flavouring substances and wine.'
For more information and to access assessment documents, visit the FSANZ call for comment page. Submissions close 6pm (Canberra time) 1 July 2022.
What happens with my feedback?
Submissions will be published to our website as soon as possible following the public comment period.
FSANZ will consider all feedback received through this submission process before making a decision on whether to approve each application.
FSANZ's decision will be notified to ministers responsible for food regulation who can ask for a review or agree that the standard should become law.
More information:
- How to make a submission
- Read the assessment documents:
A1240 - Polygalacturonase from GM Aspergillus oryzae as a processing aid
A1241 - Pectinesterase from GM Aspergillus oryzae as a processing aid
Media contact:
- 0401 714 265 (Australia) | +61 401 714 265 (from New Zealand)
- media@foodstandards.gov.au