The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has seized products suspected to contain genetically modified organism (GMOs) worthy over K 80,000 from Game stores and Spar supermarkets in Lusaka.

Authority Communications officer, Sandra Lombe disclosed that the stores, namely Game stores- Manda Hill and Cosmopolitan as well as Spar Superstore which include Twin Palm, Cross Roads, Mumbwa Road and Foxdale, contravened the Biosafety Act as they were selling the products without authorization from the Authority.

Ms. Lombe said among the food products seized include Kellogs Noddles chicken flavor, Spar Woof dog food of various flavours, Savemor tea and chocolate biscuits, Kellogs Crumbs, Bisto Original, Savemor soya mince and Savemor soup.

“In some of the affected shops we found that they had removed some products from the shelves after being alerted by their colleagues but we managed to get them from the store rooms. All the products seized shall be destroyed as provided for by the Biosafety Act No. 10 of 2007.”

She said the Authority is disappointed that the stores disregarded the Act despite them being aware of the process and procedure on how to import and place on the market products which may contain GMO’s.

Ms. Lombe said the Authority has since reiterated its call on stores and traders to get products which may contain GMOs from the suppliers and distributors who have been granted permits because the products have been assessed.

“We do not take pleasure in seizing products but we will continue doing so in the interest of the consumers and the environment.” She said.