FSSAI releases new draft for GM food regulations

Subject: Environment

In the news-

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released a new draft of Genetically Modified (GM) Food regulations for public comment, proposing front-of-pack labelling for packaged food products containing 1% or more GM components.

Overview of the draft regulations-

Applicable to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) intended for human consumption, food ingredients derived from GMOs containing modified DNA, and GMO-derived components, additives, or processing aids.
No one shall manufacture, pack, store, sell, market, or otherwise distribute or import any food or food ingredient developed from GMOs, unless prior approval of the Food Authority is obtained.
Manufacturers and importers of genetically modified foods and ingredients must apply to the FSSAI for prior approval.
When GMOs are utilised as food or as a raw material for food production, a clearance from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), the national responsible authority for environmental risk assessment, must be submitted.
If GMOs are to be used as seeds or for cultivation, the applicant ‘must concurrently file an application to the GEAC in accordance with Rules 1989.
In terms of labelling, the draft law said that food products containing 1% or more GM ingredients should be labelled as ‘contains genetically modified organisms.’ This label must appear on the front of pre-packaged items, and it also applies to the accidental or technically unavoidable presence of GM substances.

GMO regulation in India:

The task of regulating GMO levels in imported consumables was initially with the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Union environment ministry.
Its role in this was diluted with the enactment of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and FSSAI was asked to take over approvals of imported goods.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)-

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act).
FSSAI is an autonomous body.
The administrative ministry for FSSAI is the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.
FSSAI is headquartered in New Delhi.

CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION–

It is an international food standards body established jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1963 with the objective of protecting consumer’s health and ensuring fair practices in food trade all over the world.
Currently, the Codex Alimentarius Commission has 189 Codex Members made up of 188 Member Countries and 1 Member Organization (The European Union).
India became a member of Codex Alimentarius in 1964.

In India National Codex Committee was constituted by FSSAI.