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(DAILY MAIL ZM) State refutes GMO importation claim

State refutes GMO importation claim
September 6, 2012
By NKOLE CHITALA

Government says reports that the country is being fed by Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) is mere speculation. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Rodgers Mwewa says there is no proof that the country is allowing traders to import or farmers to grow such foods.

“People saying we are allowing GMO’s have no proof to that, there is so much speculation going on and we can not act on speculations, on things we have not seen,” he said. Mr Mwewa was speaking in an interview with Daily Mail in Mkushi.

He said Government is currently encouraging the public to buy from indigenous producers and traders as a way of supporting them.

Mr Mwewa said it is also Government’s policy not to encourage the importation of such foods as it is hazardous to people’s health and the environment.

He said supermarkets such as Shoprite Checkers are stocking non GMO foods.
Recently, there have been reports of major super markets in Zambia stocking genetically modified foodstuffs.

GMO’s are a broad group of plants, animals, and bacteria that are engineered for a wide variety of applications ranging from agricultural production to scientific research.

The types of potential hazards posed by GMO’s vary according to the type of organism being modified and its intended application.

Most of the concern surrounding GMO’s relatesto their potential for negative effects on the environment and human health.

Labels: GMOS

posted by MrK @ 2:20 PM