Tests confirm GM material in Aussie canola

July 14, 2005 as reported by just-food.com: Genetically modified material was identified in a batch of canola from Victoria, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

According to the news agency, the contamination was found at levels below Australia’s 0.01 percent presence level allowable for GM materials in food and has been confirmed by independent tests.

Australian Oilseeds Federation president Warren Burden says there will be an investigation into how the genetic material was introduced.

"It's been thoroughly assessed and approved for unrestricted release and does not pose a risk to human health or the Australian environment," he said.

The detection will not affect normal operations with all relevant domestic and international customers and industry participants advised.

The Australian Oil Federation will work with the federal and state governments to decide if further action is required.