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AUS – GM CORNS APPROVED FOR FOOD
FSANZ approves Syngenta and Monsanto crops for the market
13 December 2005 – Source: Food Standards Australia New Zealand via AgNet
After further review, corn varieties from Monsanto and Syngenta pass safety studies by the Food Standard Australia New Zealand which allows them to enter Australian and New Zealand food supplies.
An enhanced corn variety from Syngenta Seeds Pty Ltd (MIR605) and from Monsanto Australia Ltd (MON 88017) have passed all safety assessments.
Syngenta Seeds Pty Ltd originally sought approval for food derived from a corn variety that has been genetically modified to protect against a number of insect pests ñ including three species of corn rootworm.
FSANZ has examined the toxicity, allergenicity and other characteristics of this GM corn and have concluded that it is as safe to consumers as non-GM varieties of corn.
FSANZ intends to approve its use in the food supply.
If the novel DNA and/or novel protein is present in the food, its GM status will be identified on the food label, as required by existing regulations.
Monsanto given thumbs up
Monsanto Australia Ltdís genetically modified corn variety protects against corn rootworm, and is tolerant to the popular herbicide spray glyphosate.
Monsanto originally applied to FSANZ for approval for food derived from this GM corn to enter the Australian/New Zealand food supply.
In accordance with Australian/New Zealand law, GM foods must undergo a pre-market safety assessment before they can be sold as food in Australia and New Zealand.
FSANZ has conducted this assessment and concluded that this GM corn is as safe as corn produced by conventional means.
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