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About Genetic Modification (GM)
Did you know choosing organic food is one of the only ways concerned consumers can ensure they are purchasing products free from Genetically Modified (GM) ingredients in Australia?
Because of loose labelling laws surrounding GM foods and ingredients in Australia, organic certification – which explicitly prohibits the use of GM– is one of the only domestic regulation measures in place which assists consumers who wish to avoid GMOs in their diet.
Currently in Australia, many GM ingredients are not required to be identified on food labels. This includes products containing highly refined ingredients derived from GM crops (for example GM oils and sugar which may be found in breads and cereals). Products such as meat, milk and eggs derived from animals which were fed on GM feed are also not required to be labelled GM. Labelling is likewise not required on food intended for immediate consumption (e.g. restaurant meals).
If consumers want to avoid GM traces in the food chain in all forms, looking for a ‘Certified Organic’ label is the best means.
Australia's GM Status
In 2008, GM crops intended for the food chain (specifically canola) were grown commercially for the first time in New South Wales and Victoria. GM cotton had been grown in NSW since 1996.
In South Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT moratoriums preventing the commercial production of GM food crops remain in place.
In Queensland and the Northern Territory there are no existing moratoriums in place, and GM crops can be grown.
In Western Australia, small scale commercial GM canola trials have been approved.
(Info taken from: http://www.afaa.com.au/pdf/IssuePaper5-GE_free_zones.pdf )
BFA's Policy
Biological Farmers of Australia as Australia’s leading representative for organic food and farmers in Australia demands clearer labelling legislation of GM products and ingredients.
BFA recognises the serious threat GM contamination could pose to the organic market; particularly the organic grains sector; and notes there is a considerable body of evidence to suggest that the long term production and consumption of GE foods will cause significant harm to human health and the environment.
BFA’s past and current GM related submissions are listed below.
If you would like further information or have feedback to provide on BFA's direction regarding GE policy in Australia, contact the BFA on email: gmo@bfa.com.au or phone 07 3350 5716.
Further useful information on GM may also be found by clicking on the below links:
• The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (for listings of locations of GM trials in Australia)
• Gene Ethics Australia
• Greenpeace Australia
• Greenpeace International
• Network of Concerned Farmers
• The Soil Association
BFA GM Actions, Submissions & Reports:
Submissions to State Government
The BFA on 20th August 2007 lodged submissions to the SA, NSW & Victorian Governments reviewing the moratoriums which prohibit the planting of genetically engineered (GE) canola.
Download the BFA submissions here:
NSW BFA Submission - A Review of the Evidence August 2007
SA BFA Submission - A Review of the Evidence August 2007
VIC BFA Submission - A Review of the Evidence August 2007
Download submissions by other industry members:
Original Food GM Moratorium Panel Reviews Submission 17.08.07
Original Food Additional Submission 21.08.07
SAY NO TO GMO Campaign, July 2006
Download the brochure with all the facts about GMO's:
Click here to download brochure
What you can do
HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION: Request your supermarket stop selling GM Food; or write to your MP regarding GM crop production and food labelling.
1. Write to the supermarkets to let them know about your opposition to the sale of food with unlabeled GM ingredients. You can use the sample letter below or write your own letter. Contact details for the major supermarket chains are also below.
- CLICK HERE to download a sample letter to supermarkets
- CLICK HERE to download supermarket addresses
2. Write to your state or territory government to let them know about your opposition to the production of GM crops and the sale of food with unlabelled GM ingredients. You can use the sample letter below or write your own letter. Contact details for state and territory Governments are also below.
- CLICK HERE to download a sample letter to your State or Territory Government
- CLICK HERE to download the address of your State or Territory Government
3. Read ingredient labels carefully and avoid foods that are likely to contain GE ingredients.
An updated list of GM safe foods and foods with GM ingredients can be found at:
Greenpeace (The Truefood Guide) or Genethics.