FSANZ P1055 PROPOSAL EXPLAINED: ORGANIC SECTOR URGENT ACTION REQUIRED

FSANZ P1055 PROPOSAL EXPLAINED: ORGANIC SECTOR URGENT ACTION REQUIRED

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is currently seeking feedback on Proposal P1055, which aims to redefine how genetically modified (GM) foods are classified. We urge the organic sector to unite in requesting an extension to the submission deadline and advocating for an open forum with civil society organisations. This will allow for a transparent discussion of the full implications of the draft proposal, which has not been given adequate time for thorough public scrutiny.

With submissions closing on 10 September, we are concerned that the rapid pace at which FSANZ is moving may undermine the due process required for such a significant regulatory change.

P1055: The FSANZ Proposal

Proposal P1055 is FSANZ’s effort to update and clarify the definitions of GM foods within the Food Standards Code. FSANZ argues that the current definitions, which distinguish between "food produced using gene technology" and "gene technology," are outdated and do not adequately cover the variety of modern techniques, including New Breeding Techniques (NBTs). To address this, FSANZ proposes a single, streamlined definition of "genetically modified food" and suggests exempting certain NBT foods and refined ingredients from pre-market assessment. The organic sector is concerned that exempting NBT foods could mean that some GMO foods would no longer need to be labelled. This could mislead consumers relying on clear labelling to make informed decisions about their eating.

What Are NBTs, and Why Do They Need to Be Labelled?

New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) are advanced genetic methods that alter the DNA of plants and animals. Although NBTs are sometimes marketed as different from traditional GMOs, they still involve genetic modification. The organic sector insists that food products produced using NBTs must be clearly labelled because they involve artificial genetic changes that consumers have the right to know about. Clear labelling ensures transparency and allows consumers to make informed choices aligned with their values, especially in maintaining the integrity of organic and natural food standards.

Why Is the Organic Sector Concerned About P1055?

OANZ is deeply concerned about the rapid pace of the P1055 proposal and the potential consequences it poses for the organic sector. The proposal’s shift from a “process-based” to an “outcome-based” definition of GM foods could lead to reduced transparency, making it harder for consumers to determine whether their food has been produced using gene technology. FSANZ’s decision to exclude NBT foods and refined ingredients from pre-market assessment, claiming they pose no greater risk than conventional foods, is particularly troubling. This approach risks undermining consumer trust and the integrity of organic labelling, which depends on full traceability and clear labelling of all GM ingredients. Despite public demand for labelling GM and gene-edited foods, FSANZ has stated that GM labelling is "out of scope" for this proposal, though some changes to labelling provisions are proposed.

Take Immediate Action: Lobby for an Extension to the FSANZ P1055 Deadline

The FSANZ Proposal P1055 poses a significant threat to the transparency and integrity of our organic standards. To ensure thorough public consultation, we must act now. We urgently need all OANZ members to start calling and lobbying their local MPs to demand an extension of the September 10 deadline for submissions on this proposal.

Here's How You Can Help:

  1. Contact Your Local MP: Call or email your local Member of Parliament today. Stress the importance of extending the consultation period to allow for comprehensive public input on Proposal P1055.

  2. Use the Key Talking Points Below: When speaking with your MP, use the talking points provided below to articulate the critical issues at stake. Feel free to edit and send this extension template.

  3. Join the discussion and give your feedback directly to FSANZ: Register for the FSANZ interactive online session on 2 September 2024, from 11am-12pm (AEST) | 1-2pm (NZT). This session will provide an overview of the proposal and include a live Q&A. Register here.

  4. Spread the Word: Encourage fellow members and supporters to do the same. The more voices we have, the stronger our message will be.

Your Voice Matters

The organic sector depends on strong, clear regulations to maintain the integrity of our products and the trust of our consumers. Your participation is crucial in ensuring that these standards are not compromised.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to protecting our organic community.

Key Talking Points for Lobbying MPs:

By raising these points with your MP, you can help ensure that the concerns of the organic sector and consumers are fully considered before any changes to the Food Standards Code are made. Find your MP >

  • The current deadline of September 10 is insufficient for properly evaluating the far-reaching implications of FSANZ Proposal P1055. An extension is necessary to ensure a thorough and informed public consultation process.

  • Exempting New Breeding Techniques (NBT) foods from being classified as genetically modified could result in some GM foods not being labeled. This lack of transparency is misleading to consumers, who rely on clear labelling to make informed choices about what they eat.

  • The proposal threatens the integrity of the organic sector by potentially undermining the strict standards of traceability and labeling that are central to organic certification. This could erode consumer trust in organic products.

  • FSANZ’s move to an outcome-based definition of GM foods could obscure the methods used to produce food, making it difficult for consumers and organic producers to differentiate between GM and non-GM foods.

  • The organic community believes that all foods produced using gene technology, including NBTs, should be subject to pre-market safety assessments and labeled accordingly. This is essential for maintaining the integrity of organic and natural food standards.

  • Highlight the broad public demand for labelling of both GM and gene-edited foods. The current proposal does not adequately address this demand, as FSANZ has indicated that GM labeling is "out of scope."

OANZ