Why in News?

• Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has
• Released a new draft of Genetically Modified (GM) Food regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006.

Key Provisions

• Front-of-the pack labelling “Contains genetically modified organisms” for packaged food products that contain 1% or more of GM ingredients.
• Prior approval mandatory to manufacture, pack, store, sell, market or import any food or food ingredient produced from GMOs.
• If GMO is used as food or source material for production of food, seed or other plant-propagating material, GEAC approval is required.

Rules will be applicable to:

• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) intended for food use.
• Food ingredients produced from GMOs that contain modified DNA.
• GMOs derived ingredients/additives/ processing aids.

GMOs and GEAC

• GMOs are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated using modern biotechnology to get desired physiological traits.
• Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC): Statutory body constituted under the EPA, 1986. Works under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

About FSSAI

• Autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI.
• Established under the FSSA, 2006.
• Lays down science-based standards for articles of food and regulates them to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.