No need to get all bent out of shape, but Queensland researchers have reinvented the banana
A Queensland university has been approved to commercially release a genetically modified variety of the Cavendish banana for human consumption in a world first.
File image . (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
The release of the QCAV-4 genetically modified (GM) banana is hoped to provide a potential safety net against the devastating Panama Disease T4 which threatens the fruit’s US$20billion global industry.
Despite Australia’s strict biosecurity rules the disease has been found in parts of north Queensland and decimated the Northern Territory commercial banana industry.
However Australians will not be eating the QCAV-4 as there are no current plans to grow or sell the GM banana here.
Queensland accounts for around 95 percent of Australia’s banana crops and Cavendish account for 97 percent of production.
In a statement, Queensland University of Technology said the Australian Government has issued them a licence to commercial release the banana.
“Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has also today notified the Food Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) that it has approved QCAV-4 as suitable for human consumption,’’ a QUT spokesperson said in a statement.
The food regulator notified the Food Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) that is has approved the QCAV-4 as suitable for human consumption, a QUT spokesperson said.
The FMM, made up Australian and New Zealand government ministers, has 60 days to either ratify or request a review of the FSANZ’s decision.
The approval is the culmination of 20 plus years work of developing and growing GM Cavendish bananas by QUT Distinguished Professor James Dale and his team.
