GM FOOD: Do We Have a Choice

Genetically Modified Food has been an issue of controversy throughout the world since the production of the world’s first scientifically genetically modified crop. This issue had knocked the doors of India in 2001 when the Indian government consented to the trials of genetically modified cotton. And since then the controversy is ongoing. This article is an attempt to understand the controversy and see what stand the government authorities have taken on this. Through various examples the impact of GM crops is analysed and on the other hand, the article also takes cognizance of various scientific reports which remain unclear and conclude no such effect. In the debates on GM crops, it is the consumer who is being put on the back foot in spite of the fact that such debates are for the consumers themselves. For achieving the true objective of this article, three approaches will be used. Firstly, the consumer rights of general public will be evaluated with respect to the genetically modified food. Secondly, the consumer rights of a farmer and the right of compensation in case of failure shall be dealt with. Thirdly, the government’s stand is taken into consideration and the rules and regulations which are there to regulate these are discussed. There are international organizations and national bodies like GEAC to check and regulate the flow, trials, cultivation, marketing of GM crops and food. The topic of labelling is also evaluated with its effect and regulations. This article envisages a theoretical approach and is built upon other reports and research papers