(a) the salient features of the Government Policy on Import of Genetically Modified (GM)
Food into the country;
(b) whether the Law for mandatory labelling of GM foods has been in place and strictly
implemented in the country;
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government for effective enforcement of labelling regime for
genetically engineering projects?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) The Import of GM food is regulated as per the Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import
and Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro-Organisms / Genetically Engineered Organisms or
Cells, 1989’, commonly known as ‘Rules 1989’ issued under the provisions of the EPA, 1986
implemented by Ministry of Environment & Forests. Further, Food Safety and Standards Act,
2006 has a provision regulating the import of GM food, but the provision is yet to be
regularized .
(b) to (d) No, Sir. The draft notification on Genetically Modified (GM) labelling was
published in the Gazette of India vide G.S.R. 152(E) dated 10th March, 2006 for inviting
comments from all stakeholders. The same could not be finalised due to divergent and
conflicting views received on labelling of GM foods. It was also noted that the Codex
Alimentarius Commission (a joint body of World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture
Organization) was still to come out with its recommendations on the issue. It was therefore,
considered premature to notify the labelling provisions on GM foods.