FSSAI has issued a notification dated 27 July, 2021 regarding application related to genetically modified (GM) foods received under Food Safety and Standards (Approval for Non-Specified Food and Food Ingredients) Regulations, 2017.
The FSSAI had notified the Food Safety and Standards (Approval for Non-Specified Food and Food ingredients) Regulations, 2017 on 15 September 2017 (hereinafter referred to as the NSF Regulations) for approval of non-specified food including novel foods.
In the absence of regulations /guidelines related to GM or GM derived materials, FSSAI has been receiving several applications for consideration under the NSF Regulations mentioned above.
FSSAI is in the process of developing the regulations /guidelines for the safety assessment of such foods. Considering the same, till such time as GM regulations /guidelines are developed and notified, the FSSAI has decided that applications related to GM or GM derived materials shall NOT be accepted under NSF Regulations. FSSAI notification further states that, any firm that wishes to seek approval for such applications shall approach the Food Authority only once GM regulations / guidelines are notified in accordance with NSF Regulations.
About Safety of GM Foods
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms (i.e., plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally (W.H.O). Foods produced from or using GM organisms are often referred to as GM foods. GM foods are developed and marketed because of a perceived advantage that can benefit the producer or the consumers. The advantages could be
- lower prices
- higher nutritional value
- longer durability
According to the W.H.O, safety assessment of GM foods is based on several factors like
- Human health
- Toxicity
- Allergenicity
- Nutritional properties
- Unintended effects because of altered gene insertion
Allergic reactions need to be tested to ensure that there has been no transfer of genes from an allergenic organism to a non-allergenic organism. In fact, such transfer of genes is discouraged by international organisations.
Gene transfers of antibiotic resistance genes could create health issues in case they get transferred, even though the probability of such a transfer is low, as food developers are discouraged from gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes.
Outcrossing, which is migration of genes from GM plants into conventional crops or related species in the wild can cause safety issues. Also, if there is mixing of crops derived from conventional seeds with GM crops, then there could be concerns about food safety and food security.
All over the world the regulations of GM foods vary and continue to evolve, while there are several countries that do not yet have GM food regulations. Most existing regulations on GM foods focus on human health and environmental risks. Regulations also focus on testing and labelling of GM foods.
Reference: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/food-genetically-modified
Source : FSSAI
Dr. Suresh Kaushik says
Thanks for sharing the information and updating me.