The Africa Consumer Union says the Continued Importation of food that contain GMOs is having an impact on both the farming and manufacturing community in Zambia.
Union First Vice President Muyunda Ililonga says Zambia has the capacity to produce sufficient non-GMO agricultural products and also to manufacture non-GMO products such as cornflakes and porridge.
Mr. Ililonga says it is a big abuse to both the agricultural and manufactures sectors in Zambia therefore that the country continues to squander foreign exchange to import poison to feed consumers even when healthy alternatives are plentiful.
He says what is even worse is that these are the types of foods that been aggressively marketed to appeal to children and young people.
“Greedy food corporations have aggressively marketed their GMO products to policy-makers and public in the name of ending world hunger but many studies have shown that Biotechnology has lamentably failed to ensure food security in the world. For Zambia the situation is dire, we have a weak regulatory regime and institutions that are seen to be cheer-leaders for dubious GMO products. As a result the country’s policy on GMO products is full of twists and turns. Today this, tomorrow that,” he said.
“Let me take this chance to appeal to the consumers o this country; do not be misled, GMOs are not safe they are still a matter of fact I intense debate in many areas of the world. Beware of the long-term effect that GMOs can cause to your health,” he said.
He says Zambians should avoid eating GMOs and stay healthy.
He adds that the consumers should reject GMOs even if the government allows them on the Zambia Market.
“It’s about your health. Let me also appeal to President Lungu to provide leadership and ensure that he puts his foot down and prevent or outlaw the Importation of GMO products on the Zambian Market. Do not become a willing victim of cancer,” he said.