Australia and New Zealand allow the cultivation of bananas genetically modified against fungi

Sydney (Australia), February 20 (EFE).- Regulatory bodies in Australia and New Zealand have for the first time approved the commercial cultivation of a transgenic Cavendish banana variety resistant to a devastating fungal disease that threatens the industry. .

The Office of the Australian Gene Technology Regulator, part of the Ministry of Health, issued a license on February 12 that allows the Queensland University of Technology to commercially grow banana plants modified to avoid attack by the Fusarium fungus.

The disease, known as Panama disease, rots the inside of the plant and has spread worldwide, putting the fruit industry under control.

According to the Australian agency's statement, the licensee does not intend to replace existing Cavendish banana crops grown in Australia, but rather to “provide a safety net for the Australian banana industry should it become seriously affected by disease. Panama”.

The Australian regulator did not impose risk management measures, concluding that growing these genetically modified banana plants “poses a negligible risk to the health and safety of people or the environment”.

For its part, Food Standards Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ) last Friday approved the same Australian university's application to grow and sell this genetically modified banana as food in Australia and New Zealand.

“This is the first fully genetically modified fruit evaluated and approved by FSANZ and the first genetically modified banana approved in the world,” the marine agency noted, adding that the modified bananas are “as safe and nutritious as conventional bananas.”

The Queensland University of Technology indicated “there are no immediate plans to commercialize genetically modified bananas in Australia, as Panama disease is currently contained and effectively managed in the domestic industry.”

Even though bananas and any food products are subject to mandatory labeling, it clarifies that they are genetically modified products.

Despite the companies' approvals, the two countries' ministries responsible for the food sector have 60 days to consider the decision and reconsider before the approval is final. EFE

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