FSANZ calls for comments on GM-sourced processing aid

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is requesting comments on an application to allow the use of a processing aid that comes from a genetically modified (GM) source.

The application is for thermomycolin, a protease enzyme sourced from a GM strain of the organism Trichoderma reesei, modified with a gene from Malbranchea cinnamomea.

“FSANZ’s safety assessment found no health and safety concerns for consumers in Australia and New Zealand,” FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said. “If approved, the enzyme will be used in the manufacture of meat, seafood and vegetable products.”

A toxicity study found that several thousand times more thermomycolin would need to be ingested than is actually used in the processing of food.

Submissions of comments regarding the application close 6:00 pm (Canberra time), 9 June. Anybody interested in making any comments can visit the FSANZ site.

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