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Safety assessments of GM foods
Safety assessments of GM foods How does FSANZ ensure GM foods are safe? FSANZ has established a rigorous and transparent process for assessing the safety of GM foods. The safety assessment is undertaken in accordance with internationally established scientific principles and guidelines developed through the work of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, World Health Organization (WHO) and the codex Alimentarius Commission. The data requirements to guide the safety assessment are provided in Guideline 3.5.1 of the Application Handbook and additional information on these data requirements is provided in Part 2.3 (GM Applications - Additional Information…
Published 2 September 2025
Call for comment - Processing aid from a new source
Call for comment - Processing aid from a new source Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow an already approved processing aid to be produced from a new genetically modified (GM) source. FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said the enzyme β-galactosidase is already approved in the Food Standards Code and has a long history of safe use. “This application is looking to produce the same enzyme from a GM strain of Bacillus subtilis. “If approved, it will be used to reduce the lactose content in dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese. “FSANZ review of the technical, toxicological and dietary exposure data found no health and safety concerns for Australian and New Zealand consumers,' Mr Booth said. To have your say, see our call for…
Published 29 April 2021
East West Foods Poppy Seeds
East West Foods Poppy Seeds Product information East West Foods Wholesale Pty Ltd is conducting a recall of Poppy Seeds 1kg. The product has been available for sale at Whole + Some Shop in Adelaide SA & Indian Spice Bazaar in Woodville Gardens SA. Date markings Best Before 22/07/24 Problem The recall is due to the potential presence of a chemical (thebaine) due to unsafe poppy seeds entering the food supply. Food safety hazard Food products containing thebaine may cause illness if consumed. Severe poisoning soon after ingestion has occurred in some people who have consumed large amounts of poppy seeds. Country of origin Australia What to do consumers should not eat these products and should return to the place of purchase for a full refund and safe disposal. Any consumers…
Published 15 November 2022
Call for comment on A1301 – a GM processing aid
Call for comment on A1301 – a GM processing aid Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on A1301 – Triacylglycerol lipase from GM Komagataella phaffii as a processing aid. This is an application to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) to permit the use of an enzyme from a genetically modified (GM) microorganism as a processing aid in bread and bakery products. The enzyme, triacylglycerol lipase, is sourced from GM Komagataella phaffii (K. phaffi) containing the triacylglycerol lipase gene from Fusarium oxysporum. Its use improves the crumb structure, volume and shape of bread and bakery products. K. phaffii has a long history of safe use as a production microorganism of enzyme processing aids, including several that are already permitted in the Code. Based on FSANZ’s assessment, no…
Published 6 September 2024
FSANZ 2023-2024 Annual Report released
FSANZ 2023-2024 Annual Report released Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has released its 2023-24 Annual Report, highlighting the agency's key achievements in maintaining the safety of the food supply across both countries. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert emphasised the year’s strong performance in standards setting. “We delivered a 56% increase in productivity, completing 25 applications and 3 proposals that resulted in amendments to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, supporting food safety, public health and industry innovation,” Dr Cuthbert said. “This included several historic milestones, such as the world-first approval of a genetically modified banana and the…
Published 20 November 2024
Caffeine powders and high caffeine content foods
Caffeine powders and high caffeine content foods Pure and highly concentrated caffeine food products (including pure caffeine powders) are banned from retail sale in Australia and New Zealand. These products are typically bought online and can have serious health effects, including death. Pure and highly concentrated caffeine powders are typically marketed as sports supplements and can contain the same amount of caffeine as 25 – 50 cups of coffee in a single teaspoon. Because these powders come in bulk packets, it is almost impossible for people to measure a safe dose from a toxic dose and has resulted in death. About the ban To protect consumers in Australia and New Zealand, foods that contain 5% or more of caffeine in solid or semi-solid…
Published 27 November 2023
Call for comment on a new enzyme processing aid source
Call for comment on a new enzyme processing aid source Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow a permitted enzyme processing aid to be produced from a new genetically modified (GM) microbial source. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the enzyme alpha-amylase has a long history of safe use and is already approved to be sourced from other microorganisms. “The applicant is seeking approval to produce the enzyme from a strain of bacterium known as¯Bacillus subtilis,'¯Dr Cuthbert said. “Our safety assessment found no health and safety concerns for Australian and New Zealand consumers.' If approved, the enzyme could be used as a processing aid in the manufacture of bakery products¯in accordance with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. For more…
Published 14 October 2022
Call for comment on a new processing aid from a GM source
Call for comment on a new processing aid from a GM source Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow a new processing aid from a genetically modified (GM) source. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the application seeks approval to permit use of a fructanase enzyme sourced from GM Trichoderma reesei. “Our safety assessment found no health and safety concerns for consumers in Australia and New Zealand,” Dr Cuthbert said. If approved, the enzyme may be used during the manufacture of bakery products. “Trichoderma reesei has a long history of safe use as a source of enzyme processing aids, including several that are already permitted in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.” For more information and to access assessment documents, visit the…
Published 7 July 2023
Call for comment on a new processing aid from a GM source
Call for comment on a new processing aid from a GM source Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow a new processing aid from a genetically modified (GM) source. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the application seeks approval to permit use of a phospholipase A1 enzyme sourced from GM Aspergillus niger. “Our safety assessment found no health and safety concerns for consumers in Australia and New Zealand,' Dr Cuthbert said. If approved, the enzyme may be used during the processing of vegetable oils. “Aspergillus niger has a long history of safe use as a source of enzyme processing aids, including several that are already permitted in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.' For more information and to access assessment documents, visit the FSANZ …
Published 2 August 2022
Call for comment on a new processing aid from a GM source
Call for comment on a new processing aid from a GM source Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow a new processing aid from a genetically modified (GM) source. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the application seeks approval to permit use of a beta-amylase enzyme (EC 3.2.1.2) sourced from a GM Bacillus licheniformis. “Our safety assessment found no health and safety concerns for consumers in Australia and New Zealand,' Dr Cuthbert said. “If approved, the enzyme may be used in starch processing to manufacture maltose syrup. “Bacillus licheniformis has a long history of safe use as a source of enzyme processing aids, including several that are already permitted in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.' For more information and to access…
Published 2 August 2022