Baby formula: GM ingredient could make powder closer to breastmilk
A genetically-modified ingredient added to baby formula could make it closer to breastmilk. And manufacturers warn if it’s not approved it could put Australia’s billion-dollar infant formula industry at risk.
INFANT formula manufacturers are urging for approval to use a genetically modified ingredient that could make baby formula closer to breastmilk.
State and federal ministers from Australia and New Zealand will tomorrow decide whether or not to allow voluntary use of two synthetically-produced sugars as an additive to infant formula.
The ministers have already rejected the application once, despite Food Standards Australia and New Zealand determining the product is safe and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians backing its approval.
The sugars, known as human milk oligosaccharides, naturally occur in breastmilk. The GM versions are already used in infant formula products in 69 countries, including in some of Australia’s biggest market competitors in the European Union and Canada.
Manufacturers say not allowing the ingredient will not only deprive parents of a product available elsewhere in the world, but also threaten the competitiveness of Australia’s billion-dollar infant formula industry as demand for HMOs grew particularly in Asia.
“This is a novel technology to Australia but it’s been in use for a couple of years overseas and its approval could well benefit infants,” Australian Food and Grocery Council director of health, nutrition and scientific affairs Geoffrey Annison said.
“We’re confused as to why the initial recommendation was rejected and given FSANZ has now affirmed their initial recommendation, we’ll be even more confused if it’s rejected again.”
Ministers ordered FSANZ to conduct a review of its recommendation, arguing it did not comply with infant formula policy objectives, and that there was no substantial evidence the product offered a substantial health benefit.
In a report tabled in October, however, FSANZ stuck by its original recommendation, saying the ingredients were safe to use and “chemically and structurally identical to those in human milk”.
“FSANZ recognises that infant formula products will never provide the same benefits as breastfeeding or human milk,” the report stated.
“However infants who are not breastfed should not be prevented from having access to products that more closely resemble human milk.”
Chief executive of the Infant Nutrition Council, a lobby group representing Australia’s infant formula manufacturers, Jan Carey said it was important breastmilk substitutes were “as good as can be”.
“Personally I think all babies are created equal and all have a right to optimal nutrition,” she said.
“In a perfect world that would be breastmilk, but we know that’s not always possible … and if an infant is relying on a substitute for breastmilk, that product should be as optimal as possible.
“FSANZ are the experts, they’ve done a review and I think we need to respect their expertise.”
The HMOs have already been approved for use in Europe – notorious for its strict standards on food safety and GM products – as well as in North America and Canada.
Demand for formula with HMOs is also reportedly growing in China and southeast Asia, where much of Australia’s infant formula exports are sent.
Mr Annison said refusing to approve the product could threaten that trade.
“We’re not the only country exporting into different parts of Asia, we’ve got strong competition,” he said.
“If the ministerial council doesn’t allow these products, it’s basically sending a message that it’s not going to support competitiveness of a domestic and export industry.”
Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said he supported the proposal, which FSANZ had independently verified as having no negative health impacts and would bring Australia into line with 69 other countries.
“Protecting our infant formula exports will also support Australian dairy farmers and food manufacturers and create jobs at a time we most need them,” he said.
Victorian Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes and Health Minister Martin Foley did not respond to questions on whether they would support the recommendation.
“Outcomes of the discussions will be reported after the meeting in a joint statement,” a Victorian Government spokeswoman said.
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