Make GM mustard data public: CIC

In an order intended to make the decision-making process on transgenic food crops in India more transparent, the Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) — the apex regulatory body for GMOs (genetically modified organisms) — to make public the non-confidential biosafety dossier of GM mustard and other GMOs by April 30.

• The order has been issued on the application of an environment activist who sought information on field trials of GM mustard, arguing that biosafety data could not be confidential since it pertained to results of testing of a GMO for public safety assessment.

What next?

Under the CIC order, the GEAC is expected to put out all the biosafety details in public domain after separating confidential information.

What the CIC says?

It says, “People should know how and why GM mustard is being permitted or denied because they have to consume that food or feed and face the consequences. It is a policy decision by the public authority which needs to be revealed to the public in general as mandated because they are going to be affected if GM mustard is marketed.”

Background:

The GEAC, which comes under the environment ministry, had refused to part with the information saying sharing of data would breach the commercial confidence of the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants of Delhi University that had approached the regulator for clearing commercial release of the GM mustard (DMH11). But the Central Information Commission rejected the central regulator’s argument.

• The decision to release GM mustard for commercial cultivation is currently pending with the central regulator.
• At present, only GM cotton is allowed for commercial cultivation in India. Although the central regulator has given its nod for scientific field trials of many transgenic varieties of food crops including rice, wheat and maize among others, it has so far not cleared any GM food crop for commercial release.