Question : DISEASES DUE TO GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD



(a) whether the use of genetically modified foods are resulting in several diseases as the genes of frog and fish are introduced in some food products; and

(b) if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a)&(b) Rule 11 of the Rules for the Manufactures, Use, Import , Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/ Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cell, Rules 1989 notified by the Ministry of Environment and Forests under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 provides that food stuffs, ingredients in food stuffs and additives including processing aids containing or consisting of genetically engineered organisms or cells, shall not be produced, sold, imported or used except with the approval of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) under that Ministry. No generically modified(GM) Food crop has been approved for commercial release in India by GEAC.