Food derived using new breeding techniques

These new techniques are technological developments arising from new understandings around breeding, genetics, and genetic modification.

The purpose of the consultation is to assist FSANZ consider food products of new breeding techniques and whether these techniques are sufficiently captured by Standard 1.5.2 of the Code, and if not, if they should.

The specific techniques being considered include: genome editing, GM rootstock grafting, cisgenesis and transgenesis, and techniques involving null segregants.

The Academies’ submission is guided by the following general principles:

• The regulatory system for gene technology and new breeding techniques in Australia should be consistent and mutually supportive. FSANZ’s treatment of gene technologies should be remain consistent with that of other government regulatory agencies, particularly the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR).
• Agencies involved in the regulation of gene technology and new breeding techniques should not act as an undue impediment to research, development and commercialisation in these fields. The regulation should not impose costs or barriers to taking food derived from new technologies to market beyond what is necessary to ensure safety.
• Regulation of food should be commensurate with the risk presented to human health. The involvement of gene technology does not necessarily present a greater risk than other technologies currently in use without regulation. Gene technologies and new breeding techniques may warrant scrutiny not because they are inherently dangerous, but because the range of potential applications is very broad.
• A food which is derived from an organism modified by gene technology but is biochemically indistinguishable from a food derived from an unmodified organism does not present a greater risk than the food derived from an unmodified organism. The products of GM rootstock grafting, and of null segregants, would fall within this category.
• Labelling of the products of gene technology assists consumers in making informed choices.