Call for Submissions on GM Lucerne Application

08 Oct 2013 --- Food Standards Australia New Zealand today invited submissions on an application to change the Food Standards Code to allow food derived from genetically modified lucerne.

FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon said FSANZ had assessed the application from Monsanto Australia to allow food derived from lucerne genetically modified to have reduced levels of lignin.

“Growers will be able to harvest this lucerne line later than conventional lucerne and thus benefit from improved yields of forage for their grazing animals,” Mr McCutcheon said.

“FSANZ’s safety assessment has identified no public health and safety concerns for consumers.

“Submissions are invited from government agencies, public health professionals, industry and the community.”

The closing date for submissions is 19 November 2013.