On 7 December 2000, a new joint standard for the mandatory labelling of genetically modified foods was gazetted in Australia and New Zealand, following agreement among members of the Australia New Zealand Foods Standards Council ("ANZFSC") on 28 July 2000. Standard 1.5.2 - Food Produced Using Gene Technology ("Standard"), which replaces previous Standard A18 of the same title, will commence operation on 7 December 2001, thus giving food manufacturers and other affected entities twelve months in which to comply with the new Standard.
Division 1 of the Standard deals with health and safety requirements of genetically modified foods, while Division 2 deals with labelling and informational requirements for genetically modified foods.
The Standard will be reviewed on 7 December 2003...
