What are the regulations regarding GM products, and GM food in particular?
In Australia, the overall responsibility for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) lies with the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR). The OGTR is neither ‘for’ nor ‘against’ the use of GM technology. Rather, it exists to ensure that GMOs grown in Australia are safe. The OGTR requires that GMOs must not be grown in Australia unless they have been approved and so are on the register. The approval procedure involves analysis of the risks/benefits, including reference to likely environmental effects. Public comment must always be sought. The process must be ‘transparent’: that is, the reasons for the acceptance/rejection of the GMO must be available to the public. The OGTR has been given strong legislative backing–fines of up to $1.1 million per day for continued breaches, and/or prison sentences can be applied. The responsibility for the regulation of GM food rests largely with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ, formerly known as ANZFA). The two major aspects of regu
