• What is the implication for processed food?

Most additives used in processed food ranging from baby food to margarine and tomato ketchup contain derivatives of GMO. Though health hazards directly associated with GMOs have not been established conclusively, it is felt that it is important for consumers to be given information and choice on whether they want to buy food with some form of GMOs. India imports considerable corn and soyabean oil. India imported two million tonnes of soya oil in 2004-05. Labelling is one means of ensuring a way to trace the origins of these GMOs.

• What is the international debate on labelling?

The International Codex Committee on food labelling is yet to include mandatory labelling for GM food, thanks to pressure from the US. EU has introduced mandatory labelling for which it was hauled to the WTO.

• What are the challenges of labelling?

If GM food labelling is to occur, policymakers need to consider: Should it be mandatory or voluntary? What foods should be labelled? What pieces of information should be placed on the label? Who should be in charge of monitoring? In the end, is it worth labelling at all?

• What has been India’s stand on labelling so far?

A few years ago, the Indian Council of Medical Science had come up with some recommendations on labelling. It said labels need to disclose necessary information about the origin of genetic modification. The suggested permissible levels were marginally higher than the EU norms.

... contd.