Are companies subject to any penalties if they break rules governing GMOs?
The Gene Technology Act 2000 establishes offences for unauthorised dealings with genetically modified organisms. If such dealings occur, offenders are subject to penalties of up $1.1 million, or 5 years’ imprisonment. These penalties are described in more detail in Part 4, Division 2 of the Gene Technology Act. With respect to food products, the new joint Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, gazetted on 20 December 2000, provides a common set of food regulations in Australia and New Zealand, including standards for GM foods. Food standards have the force of law. It is a criminal offence in Australia to supply food that does not comply with relevant food standards. Notwithstanding food standards, it is also an offence to sell food which is damaged, deteriorated or perished, which is adulterated, or which is unfit for human consumption.
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