FSANZ Seeks Public Comment on GM Wheat With Higher Nicotianamine Levels

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is inviting public comments on an application to approve food derived from genetically modified (GM) wheat engineered to contain higher levels of nicotianamine, a compound that helps plants absorb and distribute minerals such as iron and zinc. Public submissions are open until 11:59 PM (Canberra time) on December 1, 2026.

The GM wheat lines containing event UM-12115T-1 contain a gene from rice that increases nicotianamine production and are intended primarily for animal feed. As part of its assessment, FSANZ evaluated the wheat's food safety and nutritional profile. FSANZ concluded that food derived from the GM wheat is as safe as food from conventional wheat varieties and that there are no public health or safety concerns.

If approved, food derived from the GM wheat would need to be labelled as “genetically modified” if novel DNA and/or novel proteins were present in the final food. The application covers food use in Australia and New Zealand only. Commercial cultivation in Australia and New Zealand would require separate regulatory approvals. FSANZ will consider all feedback before deciding whether to approve the application, and submissions will be published on its website after the consultation period closes.

For more information, read the announcement on the FSANZ website.