Licence details
Queensland University of Technology
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is seeking approval from the Gene Technology Regulator for commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) banana plants. The GM banana plants have been modified for resistance to the fungal disease Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (TR4), also known as Panama disease. The applicant indicated they do not intend the GM banana plants to replace the current Cavendish banana cultivars growing in Australia but rather to provide a safety net to the Australian banana industry should it be heavily impacted by Panama disease.
The Gene Technology Regulator has assessed risks to people and to the environment that may be posed by the commercial cultivation of the GM banana plants. A risk assessment and risk management plan (RARMP) has been prepared and is open for public consultation (see below). The OGTR risk analysis for this application has been carried out in accordance with the Regulator’s Risk Analysis Framework. You can find out more about the biology of banana and how it is farmed in Australia in the biology document.
Permission for the GM banana and its products to be sold as food for human consumption in Australia requires a separate regulatory assessment and approval from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). QUT is currently seeking approval from FSANZ to permit food derived from the GM banana plants. This application was given the FSANZ identifier A1274. Information relating to this GM food application, A1274, and to food labelling, can be found on the FSANZ website.
Documents
An invitation for written submissions from the public on the consultation version of the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan. It also explains how the public can access the consultation documents and the due date for submissions.
FAQs on the licence application and a brief outline of the assessment and public consultation processes.
A summary of the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan prepared as part of the assessment of this application. It provides a brief description of the licence application, the risk assessment and risk management plan.
A draft risk assessment and management plan prepared to support the Regulator's decision. It describes the GMO(s) and proposed work with the GMO(s) and provides an assessment of potential risks posed by the GMO(s).