1. What is Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)?

Genetically Modified Organisms is any organism that possesses a novel combination of genetic material obtained through the use of modern biotechnology techniques.  On other words, any plant, animal or microorganism whose genetic material (DNA) has been changed by transferring/receiving of specific DNA from another taxonomically different organism or same organism using modern biotechnology techniques.

1. Is there other name for GMO?

In Bhutan we use Living Modified Organism (LMO) and GMO interchangeably. Of course, GMO can be LMO or Non-LMO.

1. Why do we need GMOs?

For instance, conventional way of plant breeding is time consuming as it takes lot of time and effort to reach to a target trait of a crop.  However, with modern biotechnology techniques scientist can change trait of a crops with a desirable trait (pest resistance, drought tolerant, herbicide resistance, etc.) in short period of time. 

1. Is there any law regulating GMO in Bhutan?

Biosafety Act of Bhutan 2015 and its Rules and Regulations regulates GMOs in Bhutan

1. Why is Act called as Biosafety Act and not GMO Act?

The Act is called as Biosafety Act in line with the international protocol (Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety).

1. Am I allowed to import GMOs and what are the requirement?

While the GMOs in viable forms are prohibited, products derived from GMOs in non-viable form is allowed for import for direct use as food, feed and for processing, subject to safety assessment and approval process.  The applications to import GMO products are subjected to risk assessment by Biosafety Technical Working Group based on the guidelines on Guideline on Environmental Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Plants.pdf (bafra.gov.bt) and http://www.bafra.gov.bt/Risk%20Assessment%20of%20Food%20and%20Feed%20Products%20Derived%20from%20Genetically%20Modified%20Plants.pdf. Based on the technical opinion provided by the Biosafety Technical Working Group, the decision to approve is made by the National Biosafety Board, the highest decision-making body for all Biosafety related activities. As of now, BAFRA has not received any application for import of food products derived from GMOs therefore, we do not have any risk assessment record and no approved GMOs in Bhutan.

1. Do I need to label GMO food?

As per the Biosafety Rules and Regulations if you are importing approved GMO food products containing GMO more than 5% should be labeled as appropriate. Labelling of GMO do not pertain to safety issues, and it is regulatory decision to provide consumer choice.

1. Are GM food safe to eat?

Yes, approved GM foods are safe to eat. Before they can be put on the market, government examine rigorous safety assessments of GM foods. Prior to marketing, a developer assesses the safety of GM foods. The results are submitted to the government for approval. This process helps ensure that the GM foods are as safe as similar non-GM foods.

1. Which GM crops are grown in our neighboring Countries?

As far as we know GM-Cotton is grown in India and GM-Brinjal is grown in Bangladesh.

1. I heard GMO food may cause allergy reaction. Is it true?

Approved GM foods do not cause new allergic reactions. This is because all GM foods are analyzed for potential allergic reactions as part of the GM food safety assessment. For example, people who are not allergic to non-GM soybeans, will not be allergic to GM soybeans.