- Print Friendly - Help

Genetic modification and food

The sale of genetically modified food and ingredients and their labelling is tightly controlled in New Zealand.

Genetic modification and genetic engineering – what it is

Genetic modification (GM) or genetic engineering (GE) is a process for altering specific genes of a living organism to change its characteristics. This may make an organism capable of making new substances or performing new or different functions.

Genetic modification can be used to alter plants, animals and microbes, to improve their:

• nutrition value

• production

• processing

• storage properties

• resistance to pests and disease.

Regulation of genetically modified food in New Zealand

Genetically modified food ingredients can only be sold in New Zealand if:

• Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has checked them and determined they are safe for people to eat

• they have been approved by the FSANZ Board and cleared by all Australian and New Zealand ministers responsible for food regulation.

Food produced using gene technology are listed in the Food Standards Code ‘Standard 1.5.2 - Food produced using gene technology’. This standard sets out the regulations for GM foods.

The approved GM ingredients come from GM crops such as corn, canola, cotton oil, soybean and sugarbeet.

In New Zealand, processed foods can contain GM ingredients but must be labelled accordingly. No GM crops are grown commercially and no GM fruit, vegetables or meat are sold.

Frequently asked questions about genetically modified foods [Food Standards Australia New Zealand]

General information about genetically modified foods [Food Standards Australia New Zealand]

Standard 1.5.2 – Food produced using gene technology [PDF: 110K, 6 pages] [Food Standards Australia New Zealand]

Food safety issues with GM foods and foods from cloned animals – detailed independent information

Genetic modification overview [Ministry for the Environment]

Labelling of genetically modified content in food

Since 7 December 2002, accurate labelling has been required for foods containing GM DNA or protein, or having altered characteristics (e.g., soybeans with high oleic acid content).

Genetically modified foods, are included in a food’s ingredients list. For example ‘Ingredients: wheat flour, yeast, soy flour (genetically modified), water, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, emulsifiers (471, 472E), preservative (282), enzyme (amylase)’.

The Food Standards Code ‘Standard 1.5.2 – Food produced using gene technology’ sets out the regulations for GM foods including labelling requirements.

Labelling requirements for genetically modified foods – general information

Labelling requirements for genetically modified food [Ministry for the Environment]

Standard 1.5.2 – Food produced using gene technology [PDF: 110K, 6 pages] [Food Standards Australia New Zealand]

Related links

Assessment of compliance with Standard 1.5.2 – Food produced using gene technology (June 2003)

Chemicals, toxins, additives and contaminants in food

Briefing to the Minister for Food Safety - Review of report by Séralini et al. (MON863 corn 90-day rat feeding study). December 2007.