FSANZ considers approving two GM foods and a processing aid

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has released a consultation document for two applications to approve the sale of genetically modified (GM) foods in Australia and New Zealand and one for a processing aid obtained from a GM source.

All three applications require a pre-market safety assessment by FSANZ before they can be approved. They will only be approved if the scientific evidence shows that they are safe for human consumption.

The applications being considered are for foods derived from insect-protected soybean and drought-tolerant corn, respectively, and an engineered enzyme produced from a strain of Aspergillus niger.

Submissions for the soybean (A1035) and the lipase enzyme (A1036) close on 18 May 2010, while that for the GM corn (A1029) closes on 4 May 2010.

Food derived from insect-protected soybean MON 87701 (Application A1035 - Assessment)

Monsanto Australia Ltd has requested approval for food derived from a GM insect-protected soybean line MON 87701. The genetic modification involved the transfer of one novel gene into soybean obtained from a common soil bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis. This gene protects the plant against feeding damage caused by certain insect pest larvae. FSANZ has found no safety concerns with the consumption of food obtained from this GM crop and has concluded that it is as at least as nutritious as food obtained from other commercially available soybean varieties. We invite comment from interested parties.

Food derived from drought-tolerant corn MON87460 (Application A1029 - 2nd Assessment)

Monsanto Australia Ltd has applied for permission for the sale and use of food derived from a new genetically modified variety of corn, drought-tolerant corn line MON87460. This variety of corn has been modified to tolerate cultivation under water-limited conditions. The corn is intended for cultivation in North America. However, once commercialised, corn products imported into Australia and New Zealand could contain ingredients derived from the MON87460 variety. FSANZ has no safety concerns and favours its approval. Before reaching a final decision, we welcome the views of the community.

Lipase derived from Aspergillus niger as a processing aid (enzyme) (Application A1036 - Assessment)

DSM Food Specialties seeks approval for a protein engineered enzyme (lipase), produced from a genetically modified strain of Aspergillus niger, for use in bakery applications to enhance the gas holding capacity of bread dough and to increase the stability of the dough upon proofing, leading to an increased loaf volume. FSANZ has conducted a pre-market safety assessment of this processing aid, sourced from A. niger, which has an established safe history of use in the production of food enzymes. We intend to approve the application and encourage interested parties to submit comments.

Submissions

FSANZ welcomes public comment from industry, public health professionals, government agencies and consumers. Details of all the assessments above can be found at www.foodstandards.gov.au.