Lexi Webster
Genetically modified (GM) foods are everywhere, and in Australia, there are only two commercial GM broad-acre crops: GM cotton and GM canola. These are found in many margarines and frying oils, and more than 99% of planted cotton in Australia is GM. While there are no GM animals or fish being grown or raised for food in Australia, meat, dairy, and eggs from animals fed imported GM feedstock are available to consumers. GM foods must undergo a safety assessment and be approved before they can be sold in Australia, and any GM foods with altered characteristics must be labelled with the words 'genetically modified'. GM crops have been a controversial topic in Australia, with some states implementing moratoria on their growing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genetically modified foods in Australia | Genetically modified (GM) foods are everywhere in Australia. |
| GM crops grown in Australia | Cotton, canola, Indian mustard, banana, and safflower. |
| GM crops grown in specific states | Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia have approved GM canola and GM cotton crops. |
| GM-free states | South Australia, the ACT, and Tasmania have moratoria on the growing of GM crops. |
| GM food labelling | GM foods with altered characteristics must be labelled as "genetically modified." |
| Exemptions from labelling | GM flavourings present in food in a concentration of no more than 0.1% are exempt from labelling. Labelling is also not required if less than 1% of an approved GM food is unintentionally present in a non-GM food. |
| GM food safety assessment | All GM foods and ingredients must undergo a safety assessment and be approved before being sold in Australia. |
| GM food contamination | There is no system in Australia to detect GM food contamination. |
| GM animals or fish | There are no GM animals or fish being grown or raised for food in Australia. |
| GM feedstock | Meat, dairy, and eggs from animals fed imported GM feedstock are available to consumers in Australia. |
| GM sugarcane | Commercially approved in 2017 and grown on 400 hectares. |
| GM salmon | Approved for consumption in Canada and the US. |
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What You'll Learn
GM crops grown in Australia
Genetically modified (GM) crops have been a topic of debate and concern for many consumers in Australia and worldwide. While some countries have adopted GM crops widely, Australia has taken a more cautious approach. As of 2024, five GM crops have been approved for cultivation in Australia: cotton, canola, Indian mustard, banana, and safflower. GM flowers have also been approved for growing or importing. However, it is important to note that the cultivation of GM crops is not permitted in all Australian states, with South Australia, the ACT, and Tasmania maintaining moratoria on GM crop growing.
Cotton is the most prevalent GM crop in Australia, with over 99% of planted cotton utilizing GM varieties. The high adoption rate of GM cotton is attributed to its desirable traits, such as herbicide tolerance, higher crop yields, and pest resistance. Canola, the other commercially grown GM broad-acre crop, is also widely used in margarines and frying oils.
Indian mustard, banana, and safflower are the other three GM crops approved for cultivation in Australia. However, it is unclear how extensively these crops are being grown, and they may be in the early stages of commercial release or field trials. It is worth noting that GM crops in Australia are strictly regulated, and each state has its own set of approvals and restrictions. For example, New South Wales has approved GM canola and GM cotton crops, while Victoria lifted its ban on GM crops in 2008.
While there are no GM animals or fish being grown for food in Australia, consumers can purchase meat, dairy, and eggs from animals fed imported GM feedstock. This is a concern for some, as it indirectly introduces GM elements into the food chain. Additionally, there have been reports of GM food contamination, where GM crops unintentionally cross-pollinate with non-GM crops, leading to the presence of GM ingredients in foods where they were not expected or desired.
The presence of GM crops in Australia is a complex issue, with ongoing debates around their benefits, risks, and consumer acceptance. While some consumers seek out GM-free options, others recognize the potential advantages of GM crops in improving crop yields and nutritional value. As Australia continues to navigate the complexities of GM crops, consumers can refer to organic certification labels as their best bet for seeking non-GMO foods, as there is currently no specific certification for non-GMO products in the country.
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GM food labelling
Genetically modified (GM) foods are everywhere in Australia, and the country's food regulator, FSANZ, is responsible for approving GM foods and ingredients for use in the Australian food supply. However, there are no GM animals or fish being grown or raised for food in Australia. The only GM vegetable approved for sale in the country is imported GM potatoes, which were approved in 2017. In addition, more than 99% of planted cotton in Australia is GM, and GM cotton is found in many margarines and frying oils.
While GM food labelling is not mandatory in Australia, there are certain situations in which it is required. For example, GM foods with altered characteristics must be labelled as "genetically modified" and may require additional labelling as specified in the Food Standards Code. Altered characteristics refer to significant changes in the composition or nutritional qualities of the food compared to its non-GM counterpart. Additionally, if a food contains more than 1% of an approved GM ingredient, it must be labelled as such. However, GM flavourings present in a concentration of no more than 0.1% are exempt from labelling requirements.
It is important to note that meat, milk, and eggs from animals fed with GM feed are not considered GM foods and are not subject to GM labelling requirements. However, some manufacturers may voluntarily label their products as "GM-free" or "non-GM," but these claims are subject to fair trading laws prohibiting false or misleading representations.
To avoid GM foods, consumers can look for organic certification, as organic farming prohibits the use of GM organisms or products. However, it is challenging to be entirely confident that no GM elements are present, even in organically certified products. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to resources such as the GM Contamination Register, which records incidents of GM contamination in ordinary crops, to stay informed about the presence of unauthorised GM foods.
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GM-free areas in Australia
Australia has no nationwide ban on GM crops, but some states and territories have imposed their own restrictions. As of 2022, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and Tasmania have moratoria on the growing of GM crops. Victoria lifted its ban in 2008, and Western Australia has also lifted restrictions on GM crops. New South Wales has approved GM canola and cotton crops.
In 2020, 10 local government areas in South Australia applied to remain GM-free, including the acclaimed wine-growing Barossa region. The councils argued that losing their GM-free status would hurt their contracts with overseas buyers and could result in significant economic losses, particularly in the wine industry.
While there are no GM animals or fish being grown or raised for food in Australia, meat, dairy, and eggs from animals fed imported GM feedstock are available to consumers. Australian and imported GM foods are assessed for safety and labelling requirements by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) under the Food Standards Code. Assessments are conducted on a case-by-case basis, considering the risks posed by altered genes and the intended or unintended use of the product.
Despite these regulations, there is no certification for non-GMO foods in Australia, making it challenging to be certain about the absence of GM ingredients in imported produce.
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GM crops approved for cultivation
Genetically modified (GM) foods are everywhere, and they include or are made from a genetically modified organism (GMO). A GMO has had its genetic code deliberately changed, often by transferring genes from another species to produce beneficial new characteristics such as herbicide tolerance, higher crop yields, improved nutritional value, or pest resistance.
In Australia, the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) assesses GM crops and issues licenses for commercial release and cultivation. The OGTR has approved five GM crops for cultivation: cotton, canola, Indian mustard, banana, and safflower. GM flowers have also been approved for growing or importing.
Cotton, the first GM crop approved in Australia in 1996, now accounts for over 99% of Australian-grown cotton and has cut pesticide use by around 89% compared to conventional varieties. Canola, approved for cultivation in NSW and Victoria in 2008, is the second GM broad-acre crop grown in Australia and is found in many margarines and frying oils. The first commercial GM safflower was approved in 2018 to increase the level of oleic acid in their seeds.
While Tasmania, South Australia, and the ACT have moratoria on the growing of GM crops, other states like Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia have no restrictions. NSW lifted its ban on GM crops in 2021, allowing farmers to access all current and future GM crops.
It is important to note that GM foods are not limited to crops. GM yeast or bacteria grown in vats, often called "fermentation," produce synthetic versions of vanilla, stevia, and fragrances. These may end up in food and personal care products. Additionally, meat, dairy, and eggs from animals fed imported GM feedstock are available in Australia.
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GM foods to avoid
Genetically modified (GM) foods are everywhere in Australia, and it can be tricky to avoid them. However, there are several ways to reduce your consumption of GM foods. Firstly, look for foods labelled as "GM-free". Greenpeace's True Food Guide provides a GE-free food guide, including a list of GE-free brands. These green brands have a clear non-GE policy and implement procedures to remove GE crop ingredients from their supply chain.
Secondly, opt for organic produce. Organic certification requires that no GM products are grown, so eating organic food ensures you are avoiding genetically modified food. Organic farming prohibits the use of any GM organisms or products. However, it is challenging to be entirely confident that no GM elements are present, even in organic food. This is because the process is tested for organic certification, not the product itself. Thus, terms like "non-GMO" or "GM-free" are not always accurate.
Thirdly, be cautious of imported GM foods. While there are no GM animals or fish grown or raised for food in Australia, meat, dairy, and eggs from animals fed imported GM feedstock are available to consumers. GM ingredients are often found in highly refined products such as cooking oils, margarine, sugars, starches, chocolate, and baked goods. These products may include GM soybeans, corn, rice, potatoes, and sugar beet. For example, GM soybean products are used in bread, pastries, chocolates, potato chips, margarine, and mayonnaise. GM corn products can be found in snack foods, fried foods, and confectionery, while GM potatoes are used in processed products like snacks.
Finally, stay informed about GM foods and their potential risks. There is limited research on the health risks associated with consuming GM food, but concerns include gene transfer to human gut bacteria and allergic reactions. GM foods have also been shown to reduce biodiversity and potentially affect the DNA of surrounding flora and fauna. By avoiding GM foods, you can reduce the risk of transgenic DNA crossing into your gut bacteria and triggering allergic reactions to genes in your soy or grains.
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Frequently asked questions
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms that have had their genetic code changed, often by transferring genes from another species, to produce beneficial characteristics such as herbicide tolerance or higher crop yields.
Yes, South Australia, the ACT, Tasmania, and Western Australia have moratoria on the growing of GM crops.
No GM animals or fish are being grown or raised for food in Australia. However, meat, dairy, and eggs from animals fed imported GM feedstock are available to consumers.
Look for organic certification, which prohibits the use of any GM organisms or products. You can also refer to the GM Contamination Register, which records incidents of GM contamination in Australia.
Yes, GM foods and ingredients that contain novel DNA or protein must be labelled with the words "genetically modified". However, GM flavourings present in a concentration of no more than 0.1% are exempt from labelling.
