Australian government stance on genetically modified food

Food standards Australia and New Zealand state 'All genetically modified foods intended for sale in Australia and New Zealand must undergo a safety evaluation by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). FSANZ will not approve a GM food unless it is safe to eat'.

FSANZ believe that GM is just another method of artificial selection as we chose the desired phenotype.  they also see the advantages of using GM food such as insect resistance, less water required to grow and increasing fatty acid content in soy beans for frying.

The australian government has a strict system in regulating GM foods and have an Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) which oversees the development of genetically engineered foods and their impact on the environment. All GM foods must have a licence and this licences will not be issued unless the OGTR is satisfied that any risks can be dealt with so that people and the environment are protected.

Before a new genetically engineered food can be sold in Australia it is assessed to see the impact on the environment and people. FSANZ say they have not found any foods which raise any safety concerns to date.

Bibliography
http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumerinformation/gmfoods/