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Developments in the Australian regulation and labelling of products derived from biotechnology |
M. Healy1, P. Brent, N. Galway, L. Graf, L. Kelly, and C. BRANSON1. (1) Australia New Zealand Food Authority, 55 Blackall Street, Barton, ACT 2600, Australia A comprehensive framework for regulating foods derived from biotechnology applies to the domestic food supply in Australia. The framework addresses both the safety and public health impact of the foods as well as the provision of information about the method of producing the food. Mandatory requirements to address the potential safety and public health impacts are the most important elements of the regulatory framework. The principles underpinning the assessment of safety of the foods includes a pre-market assessment that is evidence and risk-based. Safety assessments are conducted on a case-by-case basis with both the intended and unintended effects of genetic modification being considered. The safety of the food is evaluated by comparison to the benchmark of conventionally produced counterpart foods. The regulatory framework also includes mandatory labelling requirements that became effective on 7 December 2001. There are two types of labelling requirements, the first being to provide information of public health significance. To meet this objective, labelling is required if the food has altered characteristics. The second requirement is to provide information about the method of producing the food. In this case, labelling is required if novel DNA and/or protein is present in the final food, although a number of exemptions apply. In an environment in which there is currently no international standards to provide guidance, Australia has taken a very conservative approach to regulating the introduction of foods derived from biotechnology. Australia’s approach to ensuring the safety of these foods is consistent with other countries that have established a regulatory regime. This contrasts markedly with the different approaches taken by countries for labelling these foods, particularly in requiring the provision of information about the food production/process method.
Session 41, Developments in international regulations and labeling requirements for materials derived from biotechnology
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