Genetically modified (GM) foods have been a contentious issue in Australia, with canola and cotton being the only GM crops currently produced within the country. Canola, modified for herbicide tolerance, was approved for commercial production in 2003, but faced bans in certain states until 2008 when NSW and Victoria lifted restrictions. Western Australia also permits the commercial cultivation of GM canola crops. Cotton, on the other hand, has been genetically modified since 1996 to be insect-resistant, herbicide-tolerant, or both.
Imported GM foods play a significant role in the Australian market, with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) permitting the use of various GM ingredients in processed foods. Specific GM varieties of soybeans, corn, rice, potatoes, and sugarbeet are among the imported GM foods allowed, making their way into a wide array of food products such as bread, pastries, chocolates, and potato chips. Soy lecithin, for instance, serves as an emulsifier in spreads, cakes, and confectionery, while soybean meal is a common component in stockfeed.
Field trials of genetically modified pineapple, papayas, wheat, barley, and sugarcane are currently underway in Australia, focusing on traits like insect resistance, herbicide tolerance, color, oil production, and sugar composition. Additionally, research on bananas, rice, and corn is being conducted to explore the potential of gene technology in these crops.
Not limited to crops, gene technology is also making strides in animal farming, with researchers aiming to enhance the efficiency of animal production by selectively breeding livestock with desirable traits. This research, led by institutions like CSIRO and Cooperative Research Centres, leverages natural genetic variation in livestock populations to develop animals that yield more meat, milk, and fiber. Approved GM products, including those derived from soybeans and corn, are commonly used in animal feed.
When it comes to GM food labeling, Australia and New Zealand mandate that any food product containing introduced genetic material or protein must disclose its GM status. However, certain refined foods and items from animals fed GM feed are exempt from this requirement. The regulations also allow a small percentage of unintentional GM organisms in food without labeling it as such, subject to specific conditions.
While GM fresh foods like fruits and vegetables are not currently approved for sale in Australia, should they be in the future, they will be required to display a tag indicating their GM status. The debate around GM foods continues to evolve, with ongoing research and regulatory frameworks shaping the landscape of biotechnology in agriculture and food production.
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