Food Standards Australia New Zealand is working with Health Canada on the safety of genetically modified foods. This initiative began in 2013 to see if the efficiency of GM food safety assessments could be improved. Operating procedures and approval processes were shared, as well as details as to how each agency conducts a GM food safety assessment. From this initial work, both agencies agreed that sharing assessments is the best way to achieve benefits. Working together also provides an opportunity to share scientific expertise and inform future regulatory decisions. The safety assessment sharing system is currently in its pilot phase. Under the pilot FSANZ will be relying on a Health Canada safety assessment as part of the assessment of a GM food application. The pilot will be completed by early 2021. Contact us for questions.

Posted on 6 October 2020