Ban, Split Verdict, and Health Risk: Key Issues Unfold

Speedy Summary

• Mustard oil is the third-largest edible oil consumed in India, containing high levels of erucic acid (40%-54%), much higher than internationally accepted standards (<5%).
• In 2021, FSSAI banned blended mustard oil to prevent adulteration and boost domestic mustard crop production. However, blending reduces erucic acid content.
• Studies have shown high erucic acid content adversely impacts animals’ health; conclusive human studies are lacking. Advanced economies utilize low-erucic oils like canola instead of conventional mustard oil.
• On July 23, 2024, the Supreme Court barred environmental release of GM mustard (DMH-11), citing insufficient study on its effects on human health.
• Indigenous GM mustard DMH-11 contains lower levels of erucic acid (30%-35%) compared to traditional Indian crops and has higher yields. Its usage could reduce edible oil imports ($20.56 billion import bill annually).
• Blended mustard oils in India frequently enough exceed legal limits for blending proportions but unintentionally reduce erucic acid content.

Indian Opinion Analysis

India faces significant challenges with the quality and safety of its edible oils market,especially concerning high-erucic-acid mustard oil consumption. While regulatory actions such as banning blended oils were aimed at public health betterment and protecting domestic agriculture, outright bans may overlook scientific findings that demonstrate benefits like lowered LDL cholesterol when oils are appropriately blended.

The rejection of GM mustard DMH-11 highlights valid concerns about thorough impact assessments but stymies opportunities for addressing both health risks and economic dependence on imported edible oils. With lower erucic acid levels compared to traditional crops, indigenous GM technologies like DMH-11 could be pivotal for long-term solutions-balancing consumer health protection with reduced import bills.

A proactive approach involving robust food safety enforcement and investment in plant breeding programs focused on developing internationally acceptable low-erucic varieties may constitute a balanced path forward that addresses both public health imperatives and agricultural sustainability goals effectively.

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