FSANZ Approves Two New Genetically Modified Products for Food Use

On February 14, 2025, the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) granted approval for a new processing aid derived from a genetically modified strain and a genetically modified beet for food applications. The processing aid, developed by Danstar Ferment AG of Switzerland, contains triglyceride lipase sourced from a genetically modified strain of Pichia pastoris. This enzyme is primarily intended for use in the processing of bread and baked goods.

In addition, the genetically modified beet known as KWS20-1, developed by Bayer, was also approved. This beet expresses CP4EPSPS, PAT, and DMO proteins, providing resistance to herbicides such as clethodim, glyphosate, and glufosinate. Notably, this genetically modified beet has already received approval in Canada for use in food, feed, and cultivation, and it has been approved for planting in the United States.

These approvals mark a significant advancement in the use of biotechnology in food production, potentially enhancing efficiency and yield in agricultural practices while addressing consumer needs in the baking sector.