INDIA REJECTS CORN-SOYA CONSIGNMENT OVER BIO-SAFETY CONCERNS

Asia Pulse, January 7, 2003

India's rejection of a US food-aid consignment containing corn-soya blend
is based on the country's concerns over bio-safety, leading scientists
said here.

A Rs 5 billion (US$104 million) aid consignment was rejected last month,
with government expressing particular concern over GM-maize. "There is
every justification to ask suppliers in host country to submit documents
on tests conducted on bio-safety of transgenic foods as they have a
bearing on India's environment security along with human and animal
health," Head, Genetics Division, Indian Agricultural Research Institute
(IARI), B B Singh, told PTI.

He said tests and protocols are adhered to before introduction of
genetically modified (GM) crops and reports relating to these have to be
studied in detail before allowing import of genetically modified foods.

Another scientist said being part of the food-chain, both corn (maize)
and soyabean, have to be subjected to critical tests before being
introduced in the country.

He said in case they are being imported, the produce has not only to be
labelled 'GM' but its impact on human health studied before being given
the requisite clearance.

Singh said such foods can have adverse effect on humans like skin allergy
unless it is conclusively proved that the tinkering with genes is "safe".

He said this is all the more necessary as modification is done with genes
which are of unrelated species.

Of particular concern is the impact of Rex variety of GM corn as experts
are wary of its effect on human health, he added. (PTI)