In December 2014, the Organic Industry Standards and
Certification Council (OISCC) rejected a
submission by the Western Australian Department of Agriculture and
Food (DAFWA) to increase the allowable threshold
for genetically modified (GM) material in
certified organic food.
The decision means that a zero tolerance approach to
contamination by GM organisms will continue to apply in relation to
certification of organic products.
In this Alert, Senior Associate Ryan White explores the decision
and its implications.
The existing standards
The National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce
(National Standard) provides that where product is
known to be contaminated by GM organisms or their by-products, the
product must be excluded from sale as organic or bio-dynamic. The
National Standard also prohibits GM crops, livestock or
agricultural products being grown or produced on the same farm as
their organic counterparts.
