russia_bill_to_ban_gmo_snip_1I say, "Go Russia!!" This would top the Sochi Olympics, in my view. This is the type of bill that our representatives should be submitting. It is happening, however... at least in Russia. And it will come over here, as well.

The main sponsor of the bill, Fyodorov, said in comments to Izvestia daily that he wanted to make this norm zero for all foodstuffs produced in Russia. The draft bans the production of genetically modified organisms and transgenic products of plant, animal or microbial origin for their use in human and animal foods.

Fyodorov said that this measure was needed because international corporations could try to bypass the limitations on imports by launching GMO production inside Russia. He added that under the new bill businessmen still can register genetically modified organisms and conduct research, but not grow and sell them until a slightest doubt of their safety remains.

If legislators decide on a ban, it should be complete, including consumption, but this is currently not possible, Zlochevsky noted. In addition the limitations would create a threat of uncontrolled and dangerous spread of illegal genetically modified crops, Zlochevsky noted.

The bill will be submitted to the lower house in two weeks' time and its authors claim that its chances of passing are very high.

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Total ban on GM food production mulled in Russia
Published time: February 03, 2014 09:38, Edited time: February 04, 2014 09:04

A group of Russian MPs have prepared a bill severely restricting imports of genetically modified agricultural produce, and completely banning its domestic production.

The initiative is backed by Evgeny Fyodorov of the parliamentary majority United Russia and a group called Russian Sovereignty, which unites MPs from various parties and parliamentary factions.
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