India and the United States are working hard to finalise a trade deal before July 9. One of the biggest topics being discussed is about importing genetically modified (GM) food crops into India.
What Is Being Proposed?
The two countries are trying to find a middle ground. A new idea on the table is to let US exporters do ‘self-certification’ to prove their food products are GM-free (non-GMO).
The US would share a list of food crops for which no GM event (adding new DNA to change plant traits) has been approved in America.
They would also give online links showing which crops do have GM versions, so Indian authorities can easily check when they consider imports.
Why Is This Needed?
Since 2021, India requires that 24 imported food items — like grains, oilseeds, fruits, and vegetables — must come with certificates confirming they are GM-free. The US believes this rule is too strict because it does not check whether GM varieties of those crops actually exist in trade or not.
Talks on GM Animal Feed
Another big issue is about animal feed made from GM crops. The US wants to export GM Alfalfa hay and corn-based GM Dried Distilled Grains (DDGS) to India. Progress is slow for GM Alfalfa, but India may soon allow GE DDGS, after studying documents from US agencies and checking the safety rules (phytosanitary protocol) within six months. The US says DDGS is a processed product, so it shouldn’t be considered a risk like live GM seeds or plants.
Changes in Certification and Registration Rules
The US has also raised concerns about India’s certification process for high-risk food items like meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and baby food. They say it requires too many certificates and repeated approvals. India is open to discussing this. It may allow more transition time when changing certification rules, so exporters can adjust.
Self-Registration for US Food Facilities
Currently, foreign food manufacturers exporting to India must get registered through a process approved by Indian authorities.
India might soon allow US food factories to directly apply to FSSAI (Food Safety & Standards Authority of India) for registration. But if there are any problems or mistakes, the two countries would solve them bilaterally.
Conclusion
These talks show India’s efforts to balance food safety with making it easier to trade with the US.
If agreed, these proposals could make importing US food products into India faster and simpler, while still ensuring safety for Indian consumers.
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