FSSAI issued the draft regulation related to the use of Genetically Modified Organisms(GMOs) in food on 22nd November 2022.
These regulations may be called the Food Safety and Standards (Genetically Modified Foods) Regulations, 2022.
The below mentioned points are summaries of the same regulation.
Table of Content
- What are GM-food and GMOs?
- Where is this regulation draft applicable?
- What are the procedures to take approval for GM-food?
- What are the labelling parameters for GM-food products?
What are GM-food and GMOs?
Genetically Modified Food (GM-food) means food and food ingredients composed of or
containing genetically modified or genetically engineered organisms obtained through modern
biotechnology, or food and food ingredients produced from but not containing genetically modified organisms obtained through modern biotechnology whereas,
Genetically Modified or genetically engineered Organisms (GMO) means any living organism
that possesses a novel combination of genetic material obtained through the use of modern
biotechnology.
Where is this draft regulation applicable?
The regulation shall apply to:
- Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) intended for food use.
- Food ingredients produced from GMOs that contain modified DNA.
- Food ingredients produced from GMOs that do not contain modified DNA. It includes ingredients/additives/processing aids derived from GMOs.
The regulation shall not apply to genome edited crops of SDN1 and SDN2 category.
What are the procedures to take approval for GM-food?
Prior approval for manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import etc. of the Genetically Modified Foods is mandatory.
Procedure for granting the prior approval of Genetically Modified Foods has been simplified.
- The FBO (manufacturer/importer) of a GM-food shall submit an application along with necessary documents and fee to the Food Authority.
- Clearance from Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), the national competent authority for the environmental risk assessment shall be submitted to the Food Authority.
- The Food Authority shall verify that the particulars and documents submitted by the applicant are in accordance with the information sought and examine whether the food is safe for human consumption.
- In giving its decision, the Food Authority shall endeavour to respect a time limit not exceeding six months from the receipt of a valid application.
- In case the application is rejected, the FBO may file an appeal before the Chairperson of the Food Authority, within 30 days of receiving the letter of rejection.
What are the labelling parameters for GM-food products?
- All GM-food products must be labelled with the words ‘Contains genetically modified organisms’, if the product contains one percent or more of the GM ingredient considered individually.
- This label must appear on the front of pack of pre-packaged products.
- This labelling requirement also applies to adventitious or technically unavoidable presence of GM ingredients.
- This labelling requirement is not applicable to GM-food products in which the modified DNA is not detectable as referred to in clause (c) of sub-regulation (2) of regulation 1.
Other Requirements
Without prejudice to the provisions of these regulations, all GM-foods shall comply with the relevant provisions, as applicable, under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. The GM-food shall also comply with relevant provisions, as applicable under the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011.
Final Thoughts
FBOs who have any objections or suggestions may address the same to the Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi – 110002 or sent an email at regulation@fssai.gov.in
Quite interesting information
GMO foods before labelling pl give wide publicity in Tv Radio and news papers.
Dr.P.RamsRao
Chmn.Consumer CoordinTion Council(CCC),Delhi.
9949071946