From January 15, 2012, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will grant and revoke written certifications of genetically modified organisms’ eligibility for use as food.
This is provided in Government Decree No. 108/2011/ND-CP of November 30, amending Decree No. 69/2010/ND-CP of June 21, 2010, on bio-safety of genetically modified organisms and their genetic specimens and products.
Accordingly, an organization or individual applying for a written certification of genetically modified organism’ eligibility for use as food must submit three dossier sets to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Such a dossier must comprise an application, a report on assessment of genetically modified organisms’ bio-hazards to human health, and written permissions for such genetically modified organisms to be used as food in five developed countries.
Within seven working days after receiving a dossier, the Ministry and Agriculture and Rural Development shall notify its acceptance of the valid dossier to the applicant or request the applicant to supplement the dossier under regulations, when necessary.
After receiving a valid dossier, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will publish the assessment of genetically modified organisms’ bio-hazards to human health on its website within 30 days for public comment. Public comments will be reported to the Genetically Modified Food Safety Council.
Within 30 days after obtaining assessment results, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development will grant a written certification.
The Genetically Modified Food Safety Council is composed of representatives of the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development; Industry and Trade; Science and Technology; Natural Resources and Environment and Health and sector experts.-