FSANZ has called for public comment on a submission by Bayer CropScience to approve foods derived from genetically modified cotton, mostly in the form of oil and linters. The cotton line, GHB119, is protected against feeding damage by caterpillars by a modified gene from Bacillus thuringiensis, a soil bacterium, and is also tolerant to herbicide. Both the new genes have been previously assessed by FSANZ as safe, in other GM products. Under FSANZ regulations, any final food containing the genetically... ...Read more »

Researchers at Purdue University have extended the shelf life of tomatoes by adding a gene from yeast, slowing aging and delaying microbial decay in tomatoes. “We can inhibit the aging of plants and extend the shelf life of fruits by an additional week for tomatoes,” said professor of horticulture Avtar Handa. “This is basic fundamental knowledge that can be applied to other fruits.” The genetically modified tomatoes lasted about eight days longer before showing signs of shriveling,... ...Read more »

Western Australian farmers will now be able to plant genetically modified canola crops, after a disallowance motion by the Western Australian Labor Opposition failed last week. The hotly-debated motion was opposed by WA Labor and Greens, and attended by protesters and lobby groups from both sides. Two Liberal Members, South Perth MLA John McGrath and Southern River MLA Peter Abetz, threatened to cross the floor after pressure from their electorates over health and safety concerns. Mr Abetz identified... ...Read more »

Australians remain uneasy about eating genetically modified (GM) foods, according to research from Swinburne University. The University’s fifth National Science and Technology Monitor found most people well informed about GM but still very mistrustful of the institutions that commercialise GM foods. “A major target of public mistrust is Monsanto, the world’s biggest seed company that owns patents on over 90% of all commercial GM soy, corn, canola and cotton crops that are grown,”... ...Read more »

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) published findings of a qualitative research project last night, which ascertained current public attitudes to genetically modified (GM) food. The research found different levels of understanding about GM food. “Attitudes to GM food are complex and the risks and benefits of GM food are weighed up differently depending on the factors that underpin views,” the FSA said. The study discovered that those with positive views of GM food believed the potential... ...Read more »

Launched by celebrated chefs Martin Boetz and Margaret Fulton, and Clover Moore MP, Lord Mayor of Sydney as part of the Sydney International Food Festival, the Greenpeace Truefood Guide rates over one thousand of Australia’s top food and beverage brands for the presence of GE ingredients. Since the release of the first Greenpeace Truefood Guide in 2003, more than half of Australia’s top food brands have committed to non-GE policies, with Foster’s, Nestlé, Schweppes and Lindt now... ...Read more »

Australian farmers will be vital players in the drive to secure the world’s food supplies, Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said on World Food Day (Friday), while also stating his case for genetically modified food. World Food Day on 16 October each year marks the day the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations was founded in 1945. The day focuses attention on agricultural food production, heightens public awareness of the problem of... ...Read more »

The UK Food Standards Agency has launched a study into the consumer perceptions of Genetically Modified (GM) food amid assertions that it may not be possible to maintain a GM-free supply chain in coming years. The Agency has been asked by the Government to lead a dialogue project to explore the subject of GM with consumers. The project will provide an opportunity to discuss with consumers their understanding of GM and what they think it might bring in terms of risks and benefits. It will also explore... ...Read more »

Australia’s food standards regulator has released an outline of a review report into regulation of genetically modified (GM) foods in Australia. The review was commissioned by FSANZ in May 2008, with international expert Dr William Yan* invited to dissect FSANZ’s safety assessment procedures for genetically modified (GM) foods. Overview The report provided comparison of the current FSANZ approach to GM food safety assessments against international best practice in the area. It identified... ...Read more »

Australian culinary icon Margaret Fulton today launched the ‘Canola Edition’ of the Greenpeace True Food Guide, which aims to help consumers avoid buying genetically engineered (GE) food products. Ms Fulton, widely renowned for her food writing, likened the major companies pushing GM (Genetically Modified) to Adolf Hitler, according to reports. The launch, at Sydney’s Bird Cow Fish restaurant, was supported by a number of leading figures in the food industry. Prominent supermarket... ...Read more »