Call for comment: genetically modified potato lines

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has released a call for public comment on an application to approve food from two genetically modified potato lines. The potato lines have been genetically modified for reduced browning (blackspot bruising), reduced acrylamide potential and disease resistance to foliar late blight.

“The applicant is seeking approval for food derived from GM potatoes. As the potatoes will be grown overseas, food will have already been processed into products such as potato starch or pre-cooked potato chips. Before any GM food can be sold as a food in Australia and New Zealand, it must undergo a safety assessment,” said Mark Booth, FSANZ CEO.

The FSANZ safety assessment considers a range of factors, including any allergy risks or other unintended changes as a result of the genetic modification, to ensure it is safe.

“Our assessment found there are no potential public health and safety concerns with these potato lines. We consider food from these potato lines to be as safe for human consumption as food derived from conventional potato cultivars,” said Booth.

The period for comment closes at 6 pm (Canberra time) on 9 July 2020 — this has been extended from the regular FSANZ consultation period, to give stakeholders more time to have their say in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stakeholders experiencing difficulty meeting this deadline can contact standards.management@foodstandards.gov.au.

All FSANZ decisions are notified to ministers responsible for food regulation, who can request a review of the decision. To find out more about how to make a submission, click here.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/natara