Bayer's GM Beet KSW20-1 Application Faces Scrutiny, Only One Month Left for Public Opinion Collection!

On September 16, 2024, the Food Standards Agency of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) officially issued a notification document No. 308-24. In this document, special mention is made of application No. A1303, which relates to a genetically modified sugar beet line called KSW20-1. Specifically, this beet strain is proposed for use in the field of food production and is subject to public comments and suggestions.

It is understood that the application was submitted by Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd. Their proposed transgenic sugar beet strain, KSW20-1, has remarkable properties that allow it to tolerate a variety of herbicides, including trivoxil, glyphosate and glyphosate. Such characteristics allow the beet to control weeds more effectively during cultivation, thus improving yield and quality.

To ensure there is sufficient time for the public to understand and discuss this application, Food Standards Australia has set a deadline for comments. Specifically, this deadline is set for October 14, 2024 at 6pm (Canberra time). During this period, any individual or organisation can make their own comments and suggestions on the application for Food Standards Australia's final decision.

Through this process, Food Standards Australia and New Zealand hope to fully listen to the voices of all parties and ensure that the approval of GM sugar beet strain KSW20-1 for food production can fully take into account food safety, environmental impact and public interest factors.