Biotech Updates

FSANZ Seeks Public Comment on Food Code Changes

October 5, 2007

The bi-national food agency Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has announced plans to change certain restrictions of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code– regulations that cover the content, labelling, handling and sale of food in the two countries. Issues under consideration include: the use cholesterol-lowering phytosterols in a low-fat yoghurt mini-drink, new processing aids for beer production and wine, and the approval for a new GMO corn. Monsanto’s GMO corn MON 89034, modified to express the insecticidal proteins Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2, is awaiting approval for use as food. There will be a separate pre-market safety assessment before the GM corn can be sold in Australia and New Zealand, should the change in the Food Standards Code be approved.

FSANZ welcomes public comment from industry, public health professionals, government agencies and consumers. Details of all the assessments above can be found at http://www.foodstandards.gov.au . Read more at http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/newsroom/mediareleases/mediareleases2007/21march2007changesto3489.cfm