India Reconsiders Stance on Genetically Modified Foods in Light of Trade Disputes and Food Security Concerns

India has traditionally been a 'no-GMO' country, but recent decisions by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) indicate a shift in the government's stance on genetically modified foods. The GEAC has allowed for the open-field evaluation of GM mustard, a decision that has been met with opposition from environmentalists. Meanwhile, the FSSAI has published draft regulations that would grant approvals to applicants who meet certain standards for GM foods.

Key Takeaways:

• The Indian government's decision to allow for the open-field evaluation of GM mustard is a significant step towards reconsidering its stance on GMOs, particularly in light of food security concerns.
• India's dependency on edible oil imports is a major driver of the decision to allow GM mustard, with the government stating that increased domestic production of edible oil will reduce reliance on other countries.
• Environmentalists have filed petitions against the decision, citing concerns over the potential impact on the environment.
• India's demand for GM-Free certificates has led to trade disputes with the United States, which has complained to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
• The FSSAI's draft regulations propose a more nuanced approach to GMOs, requiring prior approval for the manufacture, sale, and distribution of GM foods.
• The regulations also propose labeling requirements for pre-packaged products containing GM ingredients.
• India's reconsideration of its stance on GMOs is seen as a response to trade concerns, with the government inviting comments from member countries in the WTO-SPS committee.
• The draft regulations are open for public comment until January 20, 2023.

Statistics:

• India meets approximately 55-60% of its edible oil demand through imports.
• The Indian government has previously cited thelack of approvals for GM products by the GEAC as evidence of its restrictive biosafety regulation.
• The United States has complained to the WTO that India's requirement for GM-Free certificates has negatively impacted US exports to the country.
• The FSSAI proposes to verify GM foods within a timeframe of not exceeding six months from receipt of a valid application.
• GMOs with a Unique Identifier Nine-digit Code of the OECD approved for food use by FSSAI will require no further approvals.

Sources:

• University of Delhi's Professor Deepak Pental statement: "[A key factor behind this decision is that] increased domestic production of edible oil due to deployment of GM mustard hybrids will reduce [India's] dependency on other exporting countries."
• India's formal statement to the Supreme Court: "The present rate of edible oil consumption in India surpasses the domestic production rate and, at present, India meets nearly 55% to 60% of its edible oil demand through imports."
• US complaint document to the WTO: "Despite numerous requests from the United States and multiple trading partners, India has provided neither scientific justification nor a risk assessment supporting this measure."
• FSSAI CEO S Gopalakrishnan statement: "FSSAI 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."
• FSSAI website: The draft regulations are open for public comment until January 20, 2023.