| Food
Aid and GMOs: Perspectiives from around the globe
SOUTHRN AFRICA:
Zambia
"The government has finally
decided not to accept genetically modified foods even in our current food
deficit situation," says Zambian Information Minister Newstead Zimba. It
is necessary to examine the maize before we can give it to our people,
and I'm certain if it is found to be safe then we will give it. But if
it is not, then we would rather starve than get something toxic," he said.
"In light of uncertainties
surrounding the likely consequences of consuming genetically modified food,
(the) government has decided to take this precautionary principle on this
matter," he said. Zimba said the maize posed a long-term risk to the nation's
food security, because there was a risk that it was toxic and could contaminate
the country's local seed. "In this regard all genetically modified foodstuff,
including maize that is already in the country, should not and will not
be distributed," he said.
South Africa
South Africans are already
eating imported processed foods derived from genetically modified (GM)
plants, but there are effectively no government measures in place to police
the issue.
Though the Genetically Modified
Organisms (GMO) Act was passed in 1997, structures to enforce the Act still
need to be put in place. GM foods recently obtained the seal of approval
of South Africa's Food Advisory Consumer Service.
Lesotho, Malawi, and Swaziland
So far, Lesotho, Malawi and
Swaziland accept GM maize. However, Lesotho has put in place monitoring
mechanisms to ensure that all the food is milled before distribution.
Mozambique
Mozambique shows strong reservations
towards GM maize. Mozambique has even gone as far as insisting that all
UN aid trucks of GM maize be covered with plastic sheeting in case of spillage.
Namibia
Namibia does not accept GM
maize from South Africa.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has in the past rejected
GM maize but has accepted it on condition that it is milled before distribution.
Zimbabwe cited the lack of scientific consensus on their safety and the
impact GM seeds have on their environment.
REST OF THE WORLD
America
The Americans have warned
countries to either eat biotech food or starve, saying that anti-GM campaigners
were spreading "misinformation".
EUROPE
Five European Union member
countries recently called for a moratorium on GM products for at least
two years until new, tighter production and marketing rules take effect.
France, which led the call for a moratorium, has also insisted on the setting
up of a global food safety council.
ANTI-GM CAMPAIGNERS
Anti-GM campaigners say the
US is using Africa as its "dumping ground" as it tries to infiltrate the
European market, which has turned down all overtures by the US. "Africa
is really becoming a dumping ground and people are not being left with
a choice," said Rachel Wynberg, a Biowatch trustee. But Giddings believes
biotech foods are the only solution to global hunger.
UNITED NATIONS
The United Nations has pleaded
with African leaders to accept donations of genetically modified food that
they regard as safe, saying that there is no alternative donor able to
fill the gap should the US withdraw its aid.
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