Call for submissions on GM corn line application

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has called for submissions on an application to change the Food Standards Code to allow food derived from a genetically modified corn line.

FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon said the application by Syngenta Seeds was seeking approval for food derived from a corn line genetically modified for protection against insect pests.

“It is intended for cultivation in corn-growing regions of North America and Canada, not in Australia and New Zealand,” McCutcheon said.

Regulatory approval is required in Australia and New Zealand before it can be released into commercial markets in these countries.

Once approved and commercialised, the applicant intends to use corn line 5307 in conventional breeding with other corns.

“All GM foods undergo a comprehensive premarket safety assessment by FSANZ before being approved in the Food Standards Code,” McCutcheon said.

“FSANZ welcomes comments from government agencies, public health professionals, industry and the community on the application.”

The period for submissions closes 18 January 2012. For information on how to make a submission, visit the website.