AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND – Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has opened a public consultation period for a new genetically modified (GM) potato, BG25, which is engineered to resist diseases and reduce browning.
The consultation aims to gather public opinions before making a final decision on the potato’s approval.
The BG25 potato has been modified to withstand late blight and Potato Virus Y. It also features low-reducing sugars and decreased browning.
If approved, food products made from this potato, including potato starch, flour, and pre-cooked chips, could be imported into Australia and New Zealand.
FSANZ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sandra Cuthbert, emphasized that safety evaluations are critical to their approval process.
“Our safety assessment reviewed the genetic modification method, nutrient content compared to non-GM potatoes, and any potential allergic or toxic effects,” Dr. Cuthbert stated. “We found no health or safety issues. This GM potato is as safe as conventional varieties.”
FSANZ plans to ensure transparency by requiring that products made from the GM potato be labeled as ‘genetically modified’ if they contain novel DNA or proteins.
However, the approval would not allow for the potato to be grown in Australia or New Zealand. Importation of whole tubers or any form of cultivation would need separate approval from the Gene Technology Regulator in Australia and the Environmental Protection Authority in New Zealand.
Individuals interested in providing feedback on the GM potato application can visit FSANZ’s public consultations page. The consultation period closes at 6 pm (AEDT) on 29 August 2024.
FSANZ will review all submitted feedback before planning on the application. The feedback will be published on their website following the end of the consultation period.
This initiative reflects FSANZ’s commitment to rigorous safety assessments and public engagement in decisions affecting food standards. For more information and to submit feedback, please visit the FSANZ website.
