FSANZ consults on new breeding techniques

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) recently released a consultation paper seeking feedback on new breeding techniques and current requirements in the Food Standards Code.

FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Mr Mark Booth said the paper looks at the new breeding techniques and how food laws should apply to food derived from them.

“Since Standard 1.5.2 – Food produced using gene technology was first introduced in 1999, a range of new plant and animal breeding techniques have been developed,” Mr Booth said.

“We have been monitoring these techniques and working with experts to understand how foods produced using them should be regulated by food laws. At this stage, we are not proposing any changes to the Code. The review is being conducted to ensure that a broad range of issues has been considered before any decision is made to consider varying the Code.

“If, after considering all feedback, we decide to raise a proposal to change the Code, there would be further consultation with the community.”

The closing date for submissions is 6pm (Canberra time) 12 April 2018.