FSANZ invited submissions on GM cotton application

Date:07-22-2013

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) recently invited submissions on an application to change the Food Standards Code to allow food derived from a genetically modified cotton line.

FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon said the application by Monsanto Australia sought approval for food derived from cotton genetically modified to be tolerant to two herbicides.

“This cotton line is tolerant to dicamba and glufosinate ammonium,” Mr McCutcheon said.

“The FSANZ safety assessment found no public health or safety concerns and food from this cotton line is as safe for human consumption as food derived from conventional cotton.

“FSANZ welcomes comments from government agencies, public health professionals, industry and the community.”

The closing date for submissions is 29 August 2013.