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Genetically Modified Food Labeling

Overview

Recommended Year Level: Years 9 and 10 
Required Knowledge: Little                                                                                                                                                                    Duration: 6 x 50 minute lessons

 

The FLAVR SAVR® tomato was the first GM food to be approved for sale anywhere in the world. It was approved in the USA in 1994.

Australia’s Gene Technology Act 2000 (GT Act) makes a distinction between genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genetically modified (GM) products.

Genetically modified organisms

Definition: The full definition of a GMO appears under section 10 of the GT Act. In essence, a GMO means:

(a) an organism that has been modified by gene technology; or

(b) an organism that has inherited particular traits from an organism (the initial organism), being traits that occurred in the initial organism because of gene technology.

Genetically modified products

Definition: A genetically modified product (GM product) means a thing (other than a GMO) derived or produced from a GMO (section 10 of the GT Act).

Food made from gene technology is either defined as substantially different or substantially equivalent, in composition, nutrition, taste, smell, texture and functional characteristics, to conventional foods.

See what GM foods are allowed in Australia:
http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/foodmatters/gmfoods/gmcurrentapplication1030.cfm