FSANZ Approves New GM Food Definitions
Further to GTA’s article on GTA’s Commitment to Responsible Innovation in the June edition of Grain Matters, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has approved updated definitions for genetically modified (GM) food in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
The updates follow FSANZ’s extensive review under Proposal P1055 – Definitions for Gene Technology and New Breeding Techniques. The revised definitions aim to modernise the Code to reflect scientific advances, remove ambiguity, and improve regulatory clarity while maintaining strong food safety protections.
FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the new definitions are outcome-based, focusing on the change made rather than the process used. “Our safety assessment confirms that many modifications achieved through new breeding techniques are equivalent to those from conventional breeding, which is widely recognised as safe,” Dr Cuthbert said.
The changes bring Australia and New Zealand closer to international regulatory approaches already adopted in countries such as Canada, Japan and England, helping to support trade, innovation and regulatory consistency.
Existing requirements for pre-market safety assessment and GM food labelling will remain in place. The approval has now moved to Australian and New Zealand food ministers for their consideration.
For full details, visit the FSANZ website.
MICOR Upgrade – Industry Input Encouraged
The Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor) is the government’s IT database detailing the requirements exporters and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) must meet for overseas market access.
Micor is currently being upgraded to a new DAFF operating platform. While some industry feedback has already been provided, DAFF is now seeking further input to help refine the system.
If your business regularly uses Micor and has suggestions for improvement, you’re encouraged to contact DAFF to contribute to the development of a more efficient platform.
Recap of the Member Updates & Market Notifications released Submissions since June’s edition of Grain Matters
- HX Food Group (Aus) Pty Ltd – External Administration – Member Update No. 10 of 2025
- Outcome of GPPEICC Meeting 18 June 2025 – Notice No. 4 of 2025
- GTA Submission – GMO Environmental Scan
- GTA Submission – Strategic Fleet.
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