MOSCOW, April 15 (RIA Novosti) – The import of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into Russia could be prohibited should such products fail to pass inspections, according to a draft law published on the Russian government’s legal web portal.
The bill was drafted by the Ministry of Education and Science and is aimed at tightening control over GMO-based products in the country.
"The import of GMOs and GMO-based products into the Russian Federation may be banned if such products fail to pass the required examinations,” the explanatory memorandum to the bill stated.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the country must protect its citizens from the use of foods derived from genetically modified organisms. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has likewise said that Russia does not intend to import products containing GMOs.
At a congress of deputies of rural settlements, Minister of Agriculture Nikolai Fydorov argued that Russia should remain a territory free of genetically modified products, adding that the country’s officials do not intend to allow Russian citizens to be poisoned.
