India is set to introduce mandatory labeling of genetically modified (GM) foods on 1 January 2013, a move which is expected to help consumers make informed choices while buying packaged foods.
According to a notification published by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, every package containing the genetically modified food should bear at the top of its principal display panel the words 'GM'.
This decision is also likely to affect GM foods which are imported into India. While India does not produce GM foods, these products are imported to the country in several forms.
Under the regulation, it is the responsibility of the importer to declare that the food commodity entering the country contains GM products or have GM ingredients, reported the Hindu.
Consumer Affairs Secretary Rajeev Agrawal said that by introducing GM labelling, the government is seeking to educate consumers and make them aware of GM products, much in the manner that there is labeling to distinguish non-vegetarian food from vegetarian.
This move to introduce GM labeling came after the Parliamentary Committee on Cultivation of GM Food Crops, Prospect and Effects recommended that GM foods be labeled.
