Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Genetically Modified (GM) foods contain ingredients derived from organisms whose DNA has been modified using genetic engineering.
To ensure consumer awareness and safety, food safety authorities establish labeling thresholds for GM ingredients.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released a draft regulation regarding Genetically Modified or Engineered Foods.
- The draft regulation proposes a mandatory labeling threshold for GM ingredients.
- Any food product that contains 1% or more of an individual genetically modified or engineered ingredient must carry a prominent label stating: "Contains GMO/Ingredient derived from GMO".
- This threshold is designed to account for unintentional or technically unavoidable trace contamination during harvesting, transport, or processing, while ensuring transparent labeling for products with significant GM content.
Therefore, the proposed draft threshold is 1%, which corresponds to Option (C).
Step 3: Final Answer:
FSSAI draft regulations propose a labeling threshold of 1% or more for genetically modified ingredients.