FSANZ invites comments

Food Standards Australia New Zealand has invited comments on an application for food derived from a corn line genetically modified to be tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate.

FSANZ acting Chief Executive Officer Melanie Fisher said that the application was received from Monsanto Australia Limited and seeks to vary Standard 1.5.2 – Food produced using Gene Technology, in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.”

“Approval of GM foods under this Standard is contingent upon completion of a comprehensive pre-market safety assessment,” Ms Fisher said.

“The safety assessment finds that there are no potential public health and safety concerns and that the corn is safe for human consumption.

“FSANZ welcomes comments from government agencies, public health professionals, industry and the community on issues raised in the report.”

The period for submissions closes on 27 February 2012.

Application A1066 – Food derived from Herbicide-tolerant Corn MON87427

Full text of the release from FSANZ here