2021 Proposal P1055 – Definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques

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P1055 is a proposal to amend the definitions for 'food produced using gene technology' and 'gene technology' in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code).

Deadline for first call for submissions round - December 3, 2021

a) PSGR disagrees with the proposal to adopt the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) revised definition for ‘genetic engineering’ and submits that the definition should not be limited to nucleic acids.

b) PSGR agrees that it is important to regulate gene-edited foods in a manner that recognises their risk. Risk arises from biological and chemical characteristics and via the rapid take-up and application of NBT foods throughout the global food chain.

c) PSGR proposes that ALL gene-edited food and refined ingredients should remain designated as GM food for Code purposes.

d) PSGR proposes that the new definition includes all technology that can alter a pathway or molecule of an organism, that then changes/has potential to change chemical, biological traits of organisms, viruses

LINK to December 3 original submission.

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