Genetically Modified Foods GMO in New Zealand

Current state of GM foods within New Zealand:

Some foods sold in New Zealand may contain genetically modified (GM) DNA or protein. Foods derived from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) can be sold here only if the GMO has been assessed for safety by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and approved by the Australia New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council (ANZFRMC). For more details on Food Standards Australia New Zealand’s assessment of the safety of any GM food, see the Food Standards Australia New Zealand website. The GM crops which have been approved as safe for use in food in New Zealand are given here.

To date no GM crops are grown commercially in New Zealand. Any GM food that is imported into New Zealand and is a viable organism would require an approval under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO Act). For information on the processes for assessing applications for GM organisms in New Zealand, see the Environmental Protection Authority website.  Check the label - GM foods sold in New Zealand must be labelled ‘genetically modified’ if they contain DNA or protein from a GM source or they have altered characteristics compared to their non-GM counterpart (such as a changed fatty acid profile).

'''In North America, scientists are developing GE animals for a variety of applications, such as to:
 * 1) Produce pharmaceuticals to be used for other animals and humans
 * 2) Decrease the environmental impact of large-scale agricultural practices by decreasing the amount of chemicals such as phosphate in manure, thereby reducing water pollution
 * 3) Serve as a source of cells, tissue, and organs closely matched to humans so that they may be able to be transplanted into humans without rejection.
 * 4) Produce high value materials such as those used for surgical sutures and personal protection devices such as body armor for military and law enforcement use.
 * 5) Produce highly specific antimicrobials that target disease-causing bacteria such E. coli 0157:H7 or Salmonella.
 * 6) Provide more healthful or more efficiently-produced food.

= New Zealand GMO Applications and current status = (Updated September 2011)

All applications for genetically modified food must be assessed on a case-by-case basis by FSANZ. The assessment report for each application is available by clicking on the link below.

= In North American Food Supply today: =

In addition, various genetically engineered micro-organisms are routinely used as sources of enzymes for the manufacture of a variety of processed foods. These include alpha-amylase

References & Citations:


 * 1) http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/organisms/ http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/organisms/
 * 2) http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/organisms/about-gm/food.html
 * 3) http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumerinformation/gmfoods/gmcurrentapplication1030.cfm
 * 4) Adoption of Genetically Engineered Crops in the U.S.: Extent of Adoption
 * 5) Adoption of Genetically Engineered Crops in the U.S.