Genetically Modified Food
Genetically modified (GM) food is now available in Australia. It is important that people are given enough information to enable them to make an informed choice about whether they wish to eat genetically modified food or not. The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) supports compulsory labelling of genetically modified foods and ingredients.
Genetically modified food has only been available in Australia for a relatively short period of time, however it has been sold in the United States for many years. All living things have genes that determine their characteristics. Genetically modified foods are those where the animal or plant they come from has had new genes inserted into the existing gene sequences. Modifying gene sequences in food changes that food's characteristics.
The following ingredients in food may be genetically modified:
- cotton oil
- soybeans
- canola oil (rape seed oil)
- corn
- potatoes
- sugar beet
Of these, only cotton and canola have been granted commercial approval to be grown in Australia. Other ingredients may be found in:
- foods imported into Australia
- ingredients imported for use in Australian made foods
Some of the reasons given in support of genetic modification include:
- making crops resistant to pesticides
- increasing nutrient levels in foods
- making food more resistant to spoilage during transport
However, many people have concerns about the safety of genetic modification as it alters food in a way that is different to anything done before. As genetically modified food is a relatively recent addition to the food supply, it is difficult to assess the long- term effect it may have on the environment and the health of those who eat it. Even if there are no nutritional or safety concerns, DAA acknowledges the right of people to make food choices based on social, cultural, environmental and philosophical grounds.
Food labelling laws requires that GM foods are labelled if:
- novel DNA and or novel protein is present in the final food
- the GM food has altered characteristics compared to the conventional counterpart.
The laws allow exemptions for restaurant and takeaway meals and foods with little or no genetically modified material in the final product (eg. in some food additives/processing aids). DAA does not support these exemptions.
DAA believes it is important that people are given enough information to enable them to make an informed choice about whether they wish to eat genetically modified food or not.
An Accredited Practising Dietitian is an expert in food and nutrition who can help people understand the food supply, food preservation and food processing.
