Questions of safety
Much concern is evident in the community about biosafety and security of research in gene technology and its applications. Collecting rigorous scientific information is fundamental to the Dairy CRC's research. Investigating the physiological, biochemical and behavioural attributes of cloned and transgenic animals involves experimentation.
The processes and outcomes of experimentation are important to commercial interests, to consumers and to others in the community.
As a safeguard the Federal Government approves and monitors research and use of gene technology through various regulatory agencies.
The dairy industry has developed a position on GM foods; they will not be introduced to consumers without rigorous testing by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator and/or Food Standards Australia and New Zealand. The industry recognises the need to assess the potential risks as well as the benefits in gene technology and to offer choice to those involved.
 Universities
Within universities, any laboratory working with recombinant technologies needs a classification from the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator. The OGTR sets out procedures that must be followed by laboratory personnel with regard to work practices in the laboratory, recording information and waste disposal.
Within the universities, biohazards committees monitor these practices.
Any experiments involving animals cannot be started without the approval of a university's ethics committee. This committee is usually made up of:
- independent scientists
- a veterinarian
- university representatives
- member(s) of the general public (lay person)
The Ethics Committee reports to the Federal Government at least annually. The Ethics Committee also inspects offsite facilities.
Dairy CRC
Monash University's Animal Ethics Committee approves research being carried out by Genetics Australia and Monash University. The University of Sydney and The University of Melbourne also have ethics committees.
Authorities
Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR)
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS)
Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
The OGTR is responsible for assessing whether genetically modified organisms (GMOs) should be released into the environment. Applications must be made to the OGTR. When the draft Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan are prepared a wide range of experts, stakeholders and the Australian community are invited to comment through advertisements in:
- the Commonwealth Government Notices Gazette
- The Australian newspaper
- relevant regional press
- the OGTR website http://www.ogtr.gov.au
The Regulator then makes a decision based on stringent and rigorous regulations.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand
FSANZ is the authority that approves food labelling after rigorous regulation (by the OGTR) to ensure the food is safe for human consumption. Labelling of GM foods is required when new (novel) DNA and/or protein are present in the final food and when the food has altered characteristics.
Australia has one of the most stringent GM food labelling laws in place and was one of the first countries to implement such a law.
One view is that labelling food, with or without GM material, is an issue to do with branding rather than a food safety issue. Usually it is the role of the manufacturer or marketer to deal with branding once food safety has been established.
For more information visit: http://www.fsanz.gov.au
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
AQIS develops policies and regulations to do with importing and exporting materials. This includes the importation of biological materials and genetically modified products.
AQIS stipulates regulations for:
- experiments conducted within designated laboratories using imported biologically produced reagents
- experiments being carried out outside these laboratories
- experiments with large animals (in vivo experiments)
- importation of cells, antibodies and other biological materials
For more information visit: http://www.aqis.gov.au
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