(a) the details of the Genetically Modified (GM) food products and seeds permitted/banned
in the country by the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) constituted under the
Environmental Protection Act, 1986;
(b) whether some of the banned products are still available in the market;
(c ) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefor; and
(d) the action taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (d) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 68 BY
DR. R. SENTHIL AND SHRI BRAJA KISHORE TRIPATHY REGARDING GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD PRODUCTS DUE
FOR REPLY ON 22.10.2008
(a) As of date, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), the statutory body
constituted under the ‘Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous
Microorganisms / Genetically Engineering Organisms or Cells, 1989’ notified under the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 , has approved the commercial release of only Bt cotton in India. While
there is no ban on GM products and seeds, approval of GEAC is mandatory prior to their commercial
use. The GEAC had received request only for import and commercial use of GM Soybean oil in India
which was granted in July 2007. No other request has been received so far.
(b) to (d) No Sir, However, if any GM product is found to be illegally marketed in India,
punitive action will be taken under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Foreign Trade
(Development and Regulation ) Act, 1992.