Regulatory Aspects of Genetically Modified Foods

For authorization marketing and labeling of genetically modified (GM) food, India follows two types of regulation. For authorization, marketing India follows Environment Protection Act. 1989. This law indicates that no one shall (manufacture, store, import, export, distribute or sell) genetically engineered (GE) organisms or cell in the country if not approved by genetically engineered approval committee (GEAC). The product authorize by GEAC are allowed to be placed in market. Labeling of GM food is followed according to prevention of food adulteration Act. 1954. Every package of GM/GE food, whether primary or processed food or food ingredient & shall indicate that the food has been genetically modified.

Genetically modified food (GM food) are making a big flash in the news lately- the world population has topped 6 billion people and is predicted to double in next 50 year. Ensuring an adequate food supply for this booming population is going to be a major challenge in the years to come. Thus, the obvious advantages to tackle these through GM foods are making most countries worldwide to switch to them. At the same time the technology is fairly new, its complete safety as well as perceived disadvantages is also rising in the general community on it. While scientific community continues with its work on developing novel foods through this technique, another major thing is to regulate these foods both locally as well as internationally.

The authorization, marketing and labeling is a major concern which each country and the government face. Trade impacts through GM foods are huge and hence each government is looking at the regulation of these foods. The present article is an attempt to give an insight about regulation of GM/GE food in India.