(a) whether the Government are aware that `Genetically Engineered` food has sneaked into
this country by way of international relief to the super cyclone hit areas of Orissa;
(b) the details of the harms this `Genetically Engineered Food` can cause to the human body; and
(c) the steps being taken by the Government to test those food before entering it into the
counry and before being consumed by the people?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION ( SHRI SRIRAM CHAUHAN )
(a) The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) had received a communication from the Ministry of
Environment and Forests, Government of India, together with a copy of a reference from Research
Foundation for Science Technology and Ecology enclosing analysis reports about genetically
engineered corn-soya being distributed by US Government under Food Aid Programme to the victims
of super cyclone in Orissa. Copy of the reference alongwith copy of the analysis reports were
sent by the MOA to the Government of Orissa to have the contents of analysis reports examined
and to send a detailed report to the MOA. Detailed report from the Government of Orissa is
awaited by the MOA.
(b) & (c) : All genetically engineered life forms as well as products produced by genetic
engineered organisms are controlled commodities under the Indian Environment (Protection) Act,
1986 and the Rules, 1989. The Government of India have not yet permitted any transgenic crops
for commercial cultivation in the country. Scientific evaluation of transgenic crops about
their safety to environment and safety to human and animal health are the main issues under
study under Environment (Protection) Act before the transgenic crops are put to use for human
kind. Like transgenic crops, transgenic food is also subjected to evaluation of safety to
human and animal health. Further, as per available information, there has not yet been any
reported adverse effect of marketed transgenic crops in any other parts of the world on human
health.