Labelling genetically modified (GM) foods
If the food you sell contains any GM foods or ingredients, you must label the food or ingredient as genetically modified.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) approves GM foods and ingredients. Approved GM foods and ingredients are in Schedule 26 of the Food Standards Code.
Some foods that have been genetically modified to alter their characteristics also need to be labelled as genetically modified. This includes soybeans with modified fatty acid content. These foods are also listed in Schedule 26 of the Food Standards Code.
You can find more about labelling food produced using gene technology in the Food Standards Code.
Food produced using gene technology (Standard 1.5.2) – FSANZ
Exemptions from GM ingredient labelling
You do not need to declare ingredients that contain GM material if:
- the product contains less than 1% of an approved GM material, and
- the inclusion of GM material was unintentional, and
- you took all reasonable steps to avoid including undeclared GM ingredients.
GM flavourings are also exempt from labelling if concentrated in a food at no more than 0.1%.
GM foods in restaurants
If you serve food with GM ingredients in a restaurant, café, or takeaway, you don't need to label it as GM. But your staff must be able to tell customers, if they ask.
Find out more
Genetically modified (GM) food labelling – FSANZ
Genetically modified food and ingredients (for imported food) [PDF, 137 KB]
Who to contact
If you have questions about labelling GM food, email info@mpi.govt.nz
