Claim Review: Changes to Food Standards in Australia and New Zealand

The claim that Food Standards in Australia and New Zealand are being changed to replace real food with fake 'food' without proper labelling or regulation has been circulating recently. This claim suggests that gene-edited foods will be deregulated, allowing the food industry to self-regulate and avoid labelling requirements. Let's break down this claim and examine its validity.

Understanding the Claim

The claim revolves around proposed changes to the Food Standards Code by FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand). These changes aim to deregulate gene-edited foods, which are created using techniques like CRISPR. The concern is that this deregulation would allow the food industry to avoid labelling and regulation, potentially misleading consumers.

What is Gene Editing?

Gene editing involves altering the DNA of an organism using techniques like CRISPR. This technology has the potential to create foods with desirable traits, such as improved nutritional content or resistance to diseases. However, the long-term effects of consuming gene-edited foods are not yet fully understood.

Regulatory Changes and Concerns

The proposed changes by FSANZ would exempt gene-edited foods from certain regulations, potentially allowing them to enter the market without thorough safety assessments or labelling. This has raised concerns among consumers and advocacy groups, who argue that consumers have the right to know what they are eating.

Scientific Perspectives

While gene editing holds promise for improving food production, there are valid concerns about its safety and long-term effects. A study published in Nature highlights the potential risks associated with CRISPR-edited organisms, including unintended genetic changes. Another study in Environment International discusses the need for comprehensive risk assessment and regulation of gene-edited foods.

Consumer Rights and Transparency

The claim emphasizes the importance of consumer rights and transparency in food labelling. Consumers have the right to make informed choices about the food they consume. Deregulation without proper labelling could undermine this right and erode consumer trust in the food industry.

Conclusion

The claim that food standards are being changed to replace real food with fake 'food' without proper labelling or regulation is partially true. While there are proposed changes to deregulate gene-edited foods, the extent to which this will impact consumer safety and transparency is a matter of ongoing debate. It is crucial for regulatory bodies to balance innovation with consumer protection and ensure that any changes are based on sound scientific evidence and public consultation.