GM Foods, a new publication by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), was recently launched at Parliament House in Canberra by Christopher Pyne, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing.

Mr Pyne said he was pleased to launch GM Foods as part of the 8^th National Science Week.

“One of the greatest influences science has on our day-to-day lives is through the food we eat,” Mr Pyne said.

“Gene technology is a very new science and it is a complex issue to explain to consumers.GM Foods goes a long way towards explaining how genetically modified food is checked for safety and how it is regulated by FSANZ.

“The safety assessment process carried out by FSANZ is recognised as one of the best in the world and FSANZ scientists are in demand to explain the process at overseas seminars.

“I appreciate that consumers, more and more these days, require information about the food that they eat so that they feel more comfortable about making an informed choice about that food through food labelling. The publication also explains how the labelling of GM food works.  

“The GM food standard requires that the food must be labelled if there is altered DNA or protein in the final product. This is important, of course, for people who may, for one reason or another, wish to avoid food with genetically modified ingredients. It also establishes a system that is not overly complex, is enforceable and does not increase the cost of food.

“I recommend this booklet to you and particularly recommend it for use in schools as it is important that young people have a broad understanding of both today’s and future technologies,” Mr Pyne said.

GM Foods was written by FSANZ, and its publication has been funded by the Australian Government agency Biotechnology Australia.  Copies of  the publication are available from the FSANZ Information Officer by calling 02 6271 2241 or emailing info@foodstandards.gov.au and from Biotechnology Australia by calling 1800 631 276 or sending an e-mail to gtis-australia@unimelb.edu.au.