After allowing import of genetically modified (GM) 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.
The commerce ministry has directed the Solvent Extractors Association
of India (SEA) to compile the monthly data of the GM soyabean oil imports.
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,? said SEA executive director BV Mehta. He 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 soya oil
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 tonne during
November-August. Of this, soyabean oil (both crude and refined) accounted
for 10.6 lakh tonne. Oil year runs from November to October.


[economictimes.indiatimes.com]