Australia and New Zealand Publish Guidance on Updated GM Food and Novel DNA Definitions

The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) have published a guidance designed to support the interpretation and application of updated definitions for genetically modified (GM) food and novel DNA under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

The newly-published document provides practical explanations and examples to help regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders consistently determine whether foods developed using new breeding techniques fall within the scope of existing GM food requirements. By clarifying the application of the updated definitions, the guidance is expected to improve regulatory certainty and support a more harmonized approach across jurisdictions. The publication is particularly relevant for food manufacturers, importers and developers of innovative food products using modern biotechnology, as it offers greater clarity on regulatory obligations and compliance expectations.

The guidance forms part of broader efforts by Australian and New Zealand authorities to ensure that food regulation keeps pace with scientific and technological advances while maintaining consumer confidence and food safety standards.