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 food sector in the UK has come in for criticism from a research committee for a lack of transparency when it comes to nanotechnology. The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee said that the food industry had “(failed) to be transparent about its research into the uses of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials”, a claim denied by the sector. In their report, Nanotechnologies and Food, the Committee noted that transparency and honesty are key components for ensuring public trust... ...Read more »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has outlined a number of possible changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code including the prospect of allowing more raw milk products. The changes under consideration include the approval of genetically modified (GM) maize, cotton and corn, erythrosine as a colouring for icing and a national food safety standard for the production and processing of raw milk products. Food derived from herbicide-tolerant (GM) maize - Application A1021 - Assessment Pioneer... ...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 »

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 »

People remain cautious about the emergence of new food technologies according to a review of existing research, published by the UK’s Food Standards Agency.The report, which looks at research since 1999, brings together knowledge from the UK and beyond, on public opinion about up-and-coming food technologies, such as nanotechnologies and cloning. According to the research, GM and animal cloning remain the areas of most concern for people. However, the review also showed that food technologies... ...Read more »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has today invited individuals and organisations with an interest in the regulation of food to provide information and comment on an application to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.The application is seeking approval for food derived from a genetically modified soybean, which must undergo a safety evaluation by FSANZ before it can be sold in Australia and New Zealand. Submissions should reach FSANZ by Friday 1 May 2009. Food derived from... ...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 »

Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke told the UN Food and Agriculture Organization overnight that he believes GM crops could play a vital role in coping with a global food shortage and climate change. The GM debate continues to be fuelled, with some arguing they are a solution to a potential crisis, while others fear they will merely create more problems. Studies suggest, however, that the majority of consumers are still to make up their mind. Greenpeace last month released a report, ‘Eating... ...Read more »