Organic Sector Demands Halt to Unlabelled Gene-Modified Foods

Media Statement | 31 July 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gene-Edited Foods Could Hit Shelves Without Labels Under New Trans-Tasman Proposal

Organics Aotearoa NZ is warning that a new proposal from Trans-Tasman food regulator, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) would allow genetically modified foods created using new gene editing methods to enter our food system without labelling, safety checks, or traceability. The proposal could make Australia the first country globally to deregulate both plants and animals without oversight, with New Zealand expected to follow.

The proposal, known as P1055, would exclude foods produced using New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) from GM classification, despite involving artificial genetic modification. Research indicates potential risks, including unintended genetic changes and unknown long-term health and environmental effects, yet consumers would have no way to identify these products on supermarket shelves.

Brendan Hoare, GE spokesperson for Organics Aotearoa NZ, said: 'FSANZ is pushing through changes without any economic, business or trade impact analysis that could fundamentally alter what's on our dinner plates, without proper consultation or safety testing.

The science is clear: while NBTs may not always introduce novel DNA, they still alter the cell’s biochemistry, and things can go wrong through omissions, rearrangements, or unintended effects. New Zealanders deserve the right to know what’s in their food. What gives regulators the confidence to think otherwise?

OANZ says FSANZ concluded gene-edited foods pose no new risks without providing supporting evidence or allowing meaningful industry response to their findings.

This isn't happening in isolation - it's part of a coordinated shift toward GM foods in our region, happening while consumers are kept in the dark.

OANZ is calling for an immediate pause on P1055 until independent trade impact and cost-benefit analyses are completed, and full labelling requirements are restored.

OANZ is now seeking urgent meetings with New Zealand Ministers Andrew Hoggard and Casey Costello, and is working alongside Australian Organics Ltd and allied groups to mobilise opposition to the proposal.

ENDS

Media Contact:
Brendan Hoare
OANZ GE Spokesperson
Tel: 027 288 8618
Email: bhoare@buypurenz.com

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