Authorities have called for submissions on an application to permit genetically modified corn-based foods in Australia.

For many, genetic modification of food represents a tampering with the natural order that could lead to all manner of unknown and possibly deadly health effects.

For others, it is an approach that makes food safer and more resilient, and will be required if the growing global population is to feed itself in the future.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon says an application has been made to produce food from a corn that has been modified to be tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate and to be protected against western corn rootworm.

“FSANZ has done a safety assessment on the application and no public health and safety concerns have been identified,” Mr McCutcheon said.

“Based on the data provided and other available information, food derived from this corn is considered to be as safe for human consumption as food from conventional corn cultivars.

“FSANZ welcomes comments from across the community on our assessment.”

The closing date for submissions is 10 February 2015.

Advice on how to make a submission is available here. 

More information on the GM food application itself is available here.