No Sale or Import of GM Foods Until Centre Notifies Rules: Rajasthan High Court

The Rajasthan High Court has barred the FSSAI and the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee from permitting the sale, manufacture, distribution, or import of genetically modified (GM) foods until regulations are framed.

The Court directed that the rules be notified under Section 22 of the Food Safety and Standards Act within six months. The Court also ordered the FSSAI, the Centre, and Customs to monitor imports in the meantime.

These directions were issued while hearing a PIL that raised concerns about the health risks of GM foods and the absence of regulatory guidelines.

[Kritesh Oswal & Ors. v Union of India & Ors.]