FSSAI has issued a clarification on the requirements of Non-GM cum GM-free certificate which is to accompany imported food consignments.
Earlier in its order dated 21 August 2020, the FSSAI has stated that henceforth Non-GM cum GM-free certificate must accompany certain imported food consignments. This order of the FSSAI is to be effective from 1 January 2021.
The FSSAI has now clarified and issued a list of food crops covered under this order. Moreover, this order is not applicable for processed food products in general.
The order has been notified on 2 September 2020 for the comments of WTO-TBT member countries.
The FSSAI has also stated that the comments received from different member countries will be examined before the order comes into effect.
Crops covered under this order are as follows:
Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa)
Apple (Malus x Domestica)
Argentina Canola (Brassica napus)
Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Cowpea (Vigna (unguiculate)
Egg Plant (Brinjal) Solanum melanogoa
Flax seed (Linumusitatissimum L)
Maize (Zea mays)
Melon (Cucumis melo)
Papaya (carica papaya)
Pineapple (Ananas comosus)
Plum (Prunus domestica)
Polish Canola (Brassica rapa)
Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Rice (Oryza sativa)
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L)
Soybean (Glycine max)
Squash (Cucurbita pepo)
Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris)
Sugarcane (Saccharum sp)
Sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum)
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)
Wheat (Triticum aestivum)
About GM Foods
GM crops are those that are cultivated from seeds that have been modified so as to increase yield or which can resist pests. While GM crops can boost food production, there is no clarity about their being safe for human consumption. Some scientists also think that biodiversity could come under threat with GM foods, especially if they are mixed with non-GM foods. While several countries permit GM crops, they are not permitted in India and therefore the FSSAI has prescribed the need for Non-GM cum GM Free Certificate to be accompanied with imported food consignments.
