Key facts
- The GM wheat is intended primarily for use as animal feed.
- The modification results in higher levels of nicotianamine, a compound that helps plants absorb iron and zinc.
- FSANZ's safety assessment found no public health or safety concerns.
- Food made from this wheat would require 'genetically modified' labeling if novel DNA or proteins are present in the final food.
- Submissions on the application close on December 1, 2026.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is seeking public input on an application to allow the sale and use of food derived from genetically modified (GM) wheat lines. The GM wheat, identified as event UM-12115T-1, has been engineered with a gene from rice to increase its nicotianamine content. Nicotianamine is a naturally occurring compound that aids plants in absorbing and distributing essential minerals like iron and zinc. The primary intended use for this GM wheat is as animal feed, though it could potentially enter the human food supply through processing and grain distribution channels. FSANZ has conducted a safety assessment focusing on human food safety and nutrition, concluding that food derived from these GM wheat lines poses no public health or safety concerns and is as safe as conventional wheat varieties. If approved, food made from this wheat would require labeling as 'genetically modified' if it contains novel DNA or proteins in the final product. This application specifically pertains to the use of food derived from these GM wheat lines within Australia and New Zealand. A separate assessment by the Gene Technology Regulator is underway for commercial cultivation approval in Australia, while New Zealand requires separate approval from its Environmental Protection Authority. Importation of viable seeds into New Zealand would also necessitate advice from the Ministry for Primary Industries. The public comment period for this application closes at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2026.