FSANZ Calls for Public Feedback on Genetically Modified Wheat Application

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has launched a public consultation regarding an application to approve the sale and use of food derived from genetically modified (GM) wheat lines in Australia and New Zealand, with submissions open until December 1, 2026.

The application covers GM wheat lines containing event UM-12115T-1, which have been engineered with a rice gene to produce increased levels of nicotianamine. Nicotianamine is a naturally occurring compound that assists plants in absorbing and distributing minerals such as iron and zinc.

While the GM wheat is primarily intended for animal feed, approval would permit it to enter the human food supply via grain supply chains and food processing. FSANZ stated that its safety assessment focused on human food safety and nutrition, concluding that food derived from these wheat lines presents no public health or safety concerns and is as safe as food from conventional wheat varieties.

Under the proposed rules, any food produced from this GM wheat would require "genetically modified" labelling if the final product contains novel DNA or novel proteins.

The current FSANZ application applies strictly to food derived from the GM wheat lines. Commercial cultivation of the wheat in Australia requires a separate assessment by the Gene Technology Regulator. In New Zealand, commercial cultivation would require approval from the Environmental Protection Authority, and importing viable seeds would necessitate advice from the Ministry for Primary Industries.

FSANZ will evaluate all public feedback submitted through its Consultation Hub before deciding whether to approve the application, and submissions will be published following the close of the consultation period.

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