(a) whether it is fact that genetically modified crops are unsafe and if so, the details thereof and the preventive measures taken by the Government in this regard;
(b) whether it is also fact that GM food is being assessed case by case; and
(c) if so, the details and the outcome thereof ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a) to (c): All GM crops have to undergo elaborate food, feed and environmental safety assessment following regulatory guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures under Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro Organisms/ Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for approval of commercial cultivation in the country. As of now, Bt. cotton is the only GM crop approved in 2002 by Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) of Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for commercial cultivation in the country after extensive evaluation and satisfying all regulatory requirements. There is no scientific evidence to prove that GM crops are unsafe.
The GM foods are regulated under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which consolidates laws for manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. So far, no Living Modified Organisms relating to food has been approved by the GEAC of MoEF&CC.
In order to ensure that each GM crops are safe for human health and environmental release in the country, the bio-safety assessment is done for each crop on a case by case basis as per applicable guidelines, manuals and protocols prescribed from time to time by relevant agencies under Rules, 1989 under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
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