[Greens-Media] FSANZ fails on GM labelling

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

FSANZ fails on GM labelling
Thursday 23rd October 2008
 
The Australian Greens today expressed concern at the ability of Food
Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to protect public health and
safety, following the Eating in the Dark report released by Greenpeace
Australia.
 
"This report shows the inherent problems with labelling of Genetically
Modified (GM) products in Australia and New Zealand and our failure to
adequately assess the safety of GM products. Consumers are still
demanding the right to know what is in the food they are eating, and our
highest food safety authority is failing to deliver," said Australian
Greens Senator Rachel Siewert today.
 
"The community expect leadership from our Government -- yet it became
clear in Senate Estimates yesterday that neither the Government nor
FSANZ see any need to address this serious issue. FSANZ relies entirely
on industry-based information to make their safety assessments, and does
no assessment of any harm caused by a GM product once it has been
released." 
 
 "Currently, labels only have to declare the presence of GM materials,
but not if genetic engineering was used in the process used to create
the product. Highly refined sugars and oils derived from GM plants are
not labelled, even though they may still have an allergic or reactive
impact. With 90% of consumers calling for full labelling of all
products, including GM information, it is appalling that FSANZ has not
instigated a full labelling system like that of the European Unions."
 
"I think Australia has a long way to go in our safety assessments of GM
foods. We need an independent review of the safety assessment regime for
GM products in food, and we need all foods derived from GM crops to be
adequately labelled," she concluded.
 
For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180
senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  |  www.rachelsiewert.org.au  |
www.greensmps.org.au