Lyla Lindsey
Australia has a complex relationship with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). While there is no comprehensive ban on GMOs in the country, the use of GM crops is regulated by both state and Commonwealth governments. The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) assesses the risks posed by GMOs to human health and the environment, and all GM foods must undergo a safety assessment before being sold. GM food labelling is also mandatory for products containing novel DNA or protein or exhibiting altered characteristics compared to their non-GM counterparts. Western Australia was previously a GMO-free area, but this status was repealed in 2016, and the state now allows the cultivation of GM crops. Other states, such as Victoria and New South Wales, have also approved specific GM crops, while some regions maintain moratoria on GM crop cultivation. The presence of GMOs in imported foods and the potential for contamination of non-GM crops with GMOs remain concerns for those seeking to avoid GMOs in their diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commercial GM crops grown in Australia | GM cotton and GM canola |
| Percentage of planted cotton in Australia that is GM | More than 99% |
| Number of types of GM cotton in use | 3 |
| Number of types of GM canola licensed for use in Australia | 6 |
| GM animals or fish being grown or raised for food in Australia | None |
| GM food labelling | Required for GM foods that have an altered characteristic |
| GM food safety assessment | Required for all GM foods and ingredients before they can be sold in Australia |
| GM crops regulation | Regulated by both the Commonwealth and state governments |
| GMO commercialisation | GM sugarcane was approved in mid-2017 |
| GM food contamination register | Australia has no comparable system of detection |
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GM crops in Australia
Genetically modified crops have been grown in Australia since the 1990s. The main GM crops in Australia are canola, cotton, safflower, and carnations. In 2021, New South Wales (NSW) lifted its ban on GM crops, which had been in place since 2003. South Australia had also previously reversed its GM ban, which was a total moratorium, even blocking the seeds of GM crops from being transported through the state. Western Australia passed the Genetically Modified Crops Free Areas Act in 2003 and was declared GM-free in 2004. However, an exception was made for the commercial cultivation of GM cotton in the Ord River Irrigation Areas in 2008, and the Western Australian government allowed the commercialisation of GM canola in 2010. Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and Kangaroo Island still have bans on the commercial cultivation of GM crops.
In Australia, GM crops are regulated by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, and all GMOs undergo stringent assessments, including for health effects and environmental impacts, before being approved for commercial use. According to Professor Daniel Tan of the University of Sydney, the rigorous testing of GMOs in Australia ensures the safety of their consumption. However, some organic growers in NSW have expressed concerns about their crops being contaminated by windblown seeds and pollen from GM farms, which could pose a threat to their organic certification.
There are also concerns about the potential health risks associated with GMOs. For example, there are claims that injecting cows with the GM bovine growth hormone Posilac leads to increased udder infections, resulting in higher levels of pus and the IGF-1 hormone in milk, which has been linked to breast and prostate cancer in humans. Additionally, there is controversy surrounding the approval of imported GM potatoes for sale in Australia, with no feeding trials being conducted before approval.
While GM crops have been a source of contention in Australia, with varying regulations across different states, the country does not have a fully GM-free status. The cultivation and consumption of GM crops are permitted in some regions, while others maintain bans or express concerns about potential health and environmental impacts.
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GM food labelling
Genetically modified (GM) food labelling requirements in Australia are outlined by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). According to FSANZ, GM foods with altered characteristics must be labelled with the words 'genetically modified' or 'genetically modified [name of food]', along with any additional information required by the Schedule. Altered characteristics are determined by whether the genetic modification has significantly altered the composition, nutritional qualities, or intended use compared to the existing non-GM counterpart.
However, not all GM foods require labelling. GM foods that do not contain novel DNA or novel protein and do not have altered characteristics are exempt from GM labelling. These are typically highly refined foods, such as sugars and oils, where processing has removed the DNA and protein. Additionally, GM flavourings present in concentrations of no more than 0.1% are also exempt. Labelling is generally not required when there is no more than 1% of an approved GM food unintentionally present in a non-GM food due to accidental mixing during manufacturing.
Foods that are exempt from GM labelling requirements include food intended for immediate consumption from restaurants, takeaway outlets, and caterers. In these cases, consumers can request information about the food from the food business, which must be provided truthfully. Meat, milk, and eggs from animals fed with GM feed are also not considered GM foods and do not require labelling.
While FSANZ approves GM foods for marketing in Australia and New Zealand, the presence of GMOs in the food supply chain in Australia has been a concern for some consumers. There is no comprehensive detection system in Australia, and incidents of GM contamination have been recorded. The approval of GM crops and the potential contamination of non-GM crops have been ongoing debates in Australia, with varying regional approaches. For example, Western Australia passed the Genetically Modified Crops Free Areas Act in 2003 and was declared GM-free in 2004, but later allowed exceptions for GM cotton and canola cultivation.
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GM animal products
Genetically modified (GM) animal products are a topic of debate in Australia, with concerns about their safety and potential impact on the environment and health. While Australia has approved some GM animal products for production and consumption, it is important to note that the country does not have a comprehensive detection system for GM contamination.
Currently, the only genetically modified food crops produced in Australia are canola and cotton. GM cotton has been grown commercially since 1996 and is insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant. The cottonseed from GM cotton is crushed to produce cottonseed oil for cooking, and the cottonseed meal can be used in stockfeed. GM canola, modified for herbicide tolerance, was approved for commercial production in 2003, but faced bans in several states until only NSW and Victoria lifted them in 2008. Western Australia (WA) also allows the commercial growing of GM canola crops.
In addition to these crop-based GM products, there are other GM animal products in Australia. For instance, Australian regulators are considering an application to inject cows with the GM bovine growth hormone Posilac, which increases milk production but also causes higher rates of udder infections and has been linked to increased levels of the IGF-1 hormone, potentially impacting human health. GM sugar beet is also used in some imported processed foods in Australia.
Gene technology research is being conducted in Australia on livestock populations to selectively breed animals that produce more meat, milk, and fibre. Animals can be fed approved GM products, and GM ingredients in highly refined foods do not need to be labelled as such. However, major supermarket chains like Coles and ALDI Australia have committed to clear labelling of GM products and ensuring their meat ranges are from animals fed with non-GM feed.
While Australia has approved certain GM animal products, the potential risks and benefits are still being evaluated. New Zealand, which has a close relationship with Australia in terms of food standards, has expressed concerns about the impact of GMOs on its "clean, green image" and the potential ecological and health consequences. The integration of gene editing in plant breeding programmes is seen as a potential opportunity for innovation and improving the environment, but the lack of rapid implementation may hinder competitiveness in international markets.
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GM imports
Australia is not entirely GMO-free. Genetically modified crops are cultivated in the country, and GM imports are also allowed.
In 2003, Western Australia passed the Genetically Modified Crops Free Areas Act and was declared a GM-free area in 2004. However, an exception was made in 2008 for the commercial cultivation of GM cotton in the Ord River Irrigation Areas. Additionally, trials of GM canola were carried out in 2003, and in 2010, the Western Australian government allowed its commercialisation.
Regarding GM imports, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) must approve any food produced from GM crops or made using genetically engineered enzymes before they can be marketed in Australia or New Zealand. In 2017, imported GM potatoes were approved for sale in Australia, becoming the only GM vegetable allowed to be sold in the country.
There have been concerns about the potential contamination of imported corn seed with GMO seeds. In 2002, a book called "Seeds of Distrust" highlighted this issue, causing friction between the Labour and Green Parties during the election campaign, known as "Corngate" in the media.
While Australia does allow some GM imports, it is worth noting that the country does not have a comprehensive system for detecting unauthorised GM food, feed, and novel foods, unlike Europe, which has the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF Portal).
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GM regulation
Australia has a national scheme for the regulation of gene technology, which was established in 2001 with the Gene Technology Act 2000 (Commonwealth Act) and the Gene Technology Regulations 2001. The scheme is designed to protect the health and safety of people and the environment by identifying and managing risks posed by gene technology. The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) is responsible for assessing and licensing GM crops for commercial release, and each state and territory has its own legislation to ensure that all dealings with GMOs are covered by the scheme.
However, it's important to note that the regulation of GM crops in Australia has been a complex and evolving process, with states and territories having varying stances and legislation regarding GM crops. For example, Western Australia (WA) was classified as a GM crop-free zone until 2016, with exemptions for GM cotton and GM canola. In 2015, the Western Australian government passed the Genetically Modified Crops Free Areas Repeal Bill, allowing WA growers to access and cultivate new GM crops approved by the OGTR. Similarly, South Australia lifted its moratorium on GM food crops in 2020 for mainland South Australia, while Tasmania remains the only Australian state with a GM crop moratorium.
The assessment and licensing of GM crops for commercial release in Australia are handled by the OGTR. Once a GM crop is approved, it can be cultivated and used commercially. However, there may still be state or territory-specific barriers and legislated restrictions, such as moratoria on GM crops, that need to be addressed.
The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is responsible for the safety assessment and food standards development of GM foods in Australia. Section 1.5.2 of the Food Standards Code outlines the requirements for pre-market assessment and labelling of GM foods. The FSANZ interacts with other agencies, particularly the Gene Technology Regulator, which is responsible for licensing the deliberate environmental release of GMOs.
In summary, the regulation of GM crops and foods in Australia is a multifaceted process involving various government bodies and legislation at both the national and state/territory levels. While Australia has a national scheme for gene technology regulation, each state and territory has the authority to implement additional restrictions or exemptions based on their specific circumstances and considerations.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Australia is not GMO-free. There are two commercial GM broad-acre crops grown in Australia – GM cotton and GM canola.
In 2004, no genetically modified food was grown in New Zealand, and no medicines containing live genetically modified organisms had been approved for use. However, imported foods with genetically modified components are sold in New Zealand.
The use of genetically modified crops in Australia is regulated under a national scheme. The Gene Technology Act 2000 and the Gene Technology Regulations 2001 are designed to protect the health and safety of people and the environment by identifying and managing the risks posed by gene technology.
