Food Standards Australia (FSANZ) is calling for public comment on the world's first genetically-modified banana. If approved, the banana will become Australia's first genetically modified fruit available for cultivation and consumption.
The banana, known as QCAV-4, has been engineered by scientists to become resistant to the fungus known as Panama disease, which for the last decade has caused havoc on the global Cavendish industry.
Professor Dale said the fungus has been able to jump from various countries due to the ongoing impacts of globalisation. "Luckily in Australia the fungus is spreading very slowly, that is because of our sophisticated bio-security measures. But, in the Philippines and China they are getting desperate." he said. "Now we have found it has spread to South America, Columbia, Venezuela and it will probably move onto Ecuador, which is the biggest banana exporter in the world."
FSANZ has assured that the future sale of any genetically-modified fruits in Australia would be clearly labelled for consumers.
Source: bendigoadvertiser.com.au