India says no to fake food
India refuses genetically modified crops, citing ‘inadequate’ science
India refuses genetically modified crops, citing inadequate scienceIndia refused to grant permission Wednesday for the commercial cultivation of its first genetically modified (GM) food crop, citing problems of public trust and “inadequate” science.
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said he was imposing a moratorium on the introduction of an aubergine modified with a gene toxic to pests that regularly devastate crops across India.
“It is my duty to adopt a cautious, precautionary, principle-based approach and impose a moratorium on the release,” until scientific tests can guarantee the safety of the product, said Ramesh.
However, he added there was still no agreement among scientists on what constitutes “an adequate protocol of tests”.
Ramesh said the moratorium was effective immediately and it would last “for as long as it is needed to establish public trust and confidence.”</em>
