■ FSSAI GUIDELINES ON GMO CROPS.
FSSAI issued an order setting the permissible limit for genetically modified organisms (GMO) in imported food crops at 1%.
□ GMO REGULATION IN INDIA.
◇ The task of regulating GMO levels in imported consumables was initially with the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Union environment ministry.
◇ With the enactment of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and FSSAI was asked to take over approvals of imported goods.
□ Genetically modified organism ?
In GMO, genetic material (DNA) is altered or artificially introduced using genetic engineering techniques.
□ GM techniques are used in :-
1.Biological and medical research.
2. Production of pharmaceutical drugs.
3. Experimental medicine (e.g gene therapy).
4. Agriculture (e.g. golden rice etc )
5. Genetically modified bacteria to produce the insulin.
6. To produce biofuels from some GM bacteria.
