India is at huge risk because of non-enforcement of safety norms on GM crops, says a UN study, making it more vulnerable to bioterrorism attacks. The study released in Bonn during the summit of the UN Framework Convention on Biodiversity points out that many farmers in India are using GM crops without government approval. It has also warned that the lack of an effective biosafety regime undermines the potential of developing countries to consider the role of biotechnology in critical areas such as climate change.  Read more...

India lacks capacity to prevent entry of GM food --

Replying to an RTI application, Ministry of Environments and Forests, has said that  ports in India are under great pressure to scientifically analyze products from countries growing GM crops. The reply also clarified that no GMOs can be imported without the approval of  Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, the nodal agency that functions under the Ministry. So far only two foods have been approved for import: refined vegetable soybean oil and crude degummed soybean oil by Catholic Relief Services and Care India as food aid in 2002. This clarification was in response to  a Green Peace study which revealed that the  Doritos variety of chips available in select supermarkets contained two strains of GM corn. Read more...

Canada says NO to GE-Food Labels

Canada has voted against a bill seeking mandatory labelling of GE foods. Canadians have long been demanding labelling of foods containing GM ingredients- a practice which is already being followed in over 40 countries. The Bill-- C-517 -- was first debated in parliament in April and again in May and was finally defeated by a vote of 156-101. Read more...

India plans single window mechanism for bio safety clearances

India's Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has announced a draft plan to set up a National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority (NBRA). In addition, a draft National Biotechnology Regulatory Bill 2008 has been put out for public comment and feedback. These drafts have been  prepared by a consultative committee of experts. The NBRA will be set up as an independent and autonomous body to provide a single window mechanism for biosafety clearance of GM products and processes.  Read more...

HIV vaccine trial opposed

Environmental groups in South Africa are opposing the trial of an HIV/Aids vaccine claiming that it is a public health risk because it is a potentially dangerous type of GMO. But HIV/Aids researchers say the vaccine has been thoroughly tested and if successful for treatment of  humans, could represent one of the most significant medical breakthroughs ever. The trial of the vaccine developed in South Africa is due to start at sites in South Africa and is part of the South African Aids Vaccine Initiative. The vaccine is a combination of five HIV genes inserted into a host smallpox virus which is to be injected into 36 healthy HIV- negative volunteers.  Read more...