How can the public participate in the GM food approval process?
FSANZ has a transparent and consultative regulatory framework for developing food standards in Australia and New Zealand. Before making a change to the Code , comments are sought from interested members of the public (individuals, organisations) through a public consultation process. Public consultation is mandatory for all food standards matters including applications for GM foods. This system allows members of the public to raise relevant issues that can then be addressed by FSANZ during the assessment process. As part of the open and transparent system operating at FSANZ, all information and data relating to a GM food is accessible via a public register file. An exception to this occurs only when certain information is given confidential commercial information status by FSANZ. Copies of all assessment reports are also available from the FSANZ website.
