After allowing import of genetically modified soyabean oil without the need to get case-to-case approval by the Environment Ministry, the government has asked the industry to strictly monitor inflow of GM edible oil.

After allowing import of genetically modified soyabean oil without the need to get case-to-case approval by the Environment Ministry, the government has asked the industry to strictly monitor inflow of GM edible oil.

However, SEA may find it difficult to meet the obligation in the absence of executive powers.

“We are talking to the Commerce Ministry to issue some kind of guidelines,” SEA Executive Director B V Mehta said.

Mehta said it would be difficult to compile the data about those importers who are not members of the association.

Most of the soya oils coming from Argentina or Brazil are genetically modified. In the past, every shipment had to get clearances of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), under the Environment Ministry.

In August, the Environment Ministry had allowed import of GM soyaoil without approval of this committee as the oil does not have living modified organisms (LMO). The ministry, in fact, exempted all imported processed food articles from seeking GEAC approval if they do not contain LMOs.

India’s edible oil import has reached 38 lakh tonnes during November-August of 2006-07 oil year. Of this, soyabean oil (both crude and refined) accounted for 10.55 lakh tonnes. Oil year runs from November to October.

Courtesy: The Hindu