March 28, 2016
India considers approval of GM feed imports
India's Ministry of Environment and Forest Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) is considering proposals from four companies which intend to import genetically-modified (GM) feed from China, Brazil, Argentina, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and the US.
"GEAC was of the view that - besides comments from experts, comments of the Department of Animal Husbandry and FSSAI may be obtained regarding the export / import of GM feed," the minutes of a related meeting stated. "Comments from other experts may be followed up. Decision on the proposal was deferred."
M/S Suguna Foods has send a proposal for the import of GM soymeal to be used for poultry feed while M/S Godrej Agrovet Ltd is requesting for Dried Distillers Grains with solubles (DDGS) corn to be brought into India.
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Experts are however concerned that the approval of GM feed could have consequential effects as animals are part of the human food chain. Various parties had recently wrote to Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, protesting against the approval of GM mustard.
The minister commented that GM research and field trials for producing bio-safety data should be permitted to proceed- with necessary precautions implemented- for the sake of national interests.