In a significant development, the Rajasthan High Court has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Central Government to establish comprehensive safety standards and regulatory mechanisms for genetically modified (GM) and genetically engineered foods in India.
A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Sanjeet Purohit also restrained the FSSAI and the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) from granting permissions related to the sale, manufacture, or import of GM food items until detailed regulations are framed — preferably within six months — under Section 22 of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006.
The court’s directive came in response to a petition filed by Kritesh Oswal, Abhay Singla, and Deepesh Oswal, which highlighted the lack of regulatory oversight for GM food products in India. The petitioners argued that despite restrictions under Section 22 of the FSSA, edible oils containing genetically modified components were being imported into the country without proper certification or testing, raising serious public health concerns.
In its order, the court stated:
“The FSSAI and the Centre are directed to ensure that no import of any foodstuff or edible items shall be permitted unless they have been certified and labelled ‘GM free’ by the exporting country.”
The bench further instructed customs and port authorities to enforce these directives strictly to prevent uncertified imports.
The court also noted that legislative bodies have previously raised concerns regarding the unchecked importation of GM foodstuffs, emphasizing that such products must undergo comprehensive legal and safety evaluations before reaching Indian consumers.
Expressing concern over the potential health risks posed by the import and distribution of GM food products in the absence of proper certification and testing, the bench underscored the urgent need for a robust regulatory framework to protect public health and maintain food safety standards in India.
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