FSANZ calls for comments on genetically modified canola

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has put out a request for comments regarding the use of food produced with a genetically modified form of canola.

An application has been submitted to FSANZ to use products from the LBFLFK line of canola, which has been genetically modified to produce omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) and to be tolerant of imidazolinone herbicides. The application does not concern this canola variety being grown in the country but is rather for its oils to be imported into Australia.

The omega-3 LC-PUFAs are not found in detectable amounts in regular canola but are beneficial for human health. Once the oil has been extracted from the canola, the resulting canola meal could be used in livestock feed but would not be used for humans.

Safety and toxicity assessments of the canola line have found no issues for human health or safety; according to FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert, the GM canola variety is as safe as its non-genetically modified brethren. The LBFLFK canola variety is already approved for use in the USA and Canada.

Submissions are being accepted until 8 July and can be made by visiting the call for comments page on the FSANZ website.

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