The Zambia Consumers Association has opposed decision by National Biosafety Authority to allow three Companies to import GMOs into Zambia.
The National Biosafety Authority has granted three distributors new permits to import products that may contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The three applicants are Cold Chain, Horizon and Innscor who were among 12 retailers, wholesalers and Distributors that applied for new and renewal permits.
Authority Chief Executive officer, Lackson Tonga said the decision was arrived at after a risk assessment was conducted by the scientific advisory committee.
But Zambia Consumers Association Executive Director Juba Sakala has told Money FM News that it is wrong for government to allow importation of GMOs as this is still a matter of controversy worldwide.
“Apparently NBA has undertaken risk assessments and is satisfied the food is safe for human, animal and the environment. This is despite well-known position that the safety of GMOs is still a matter of contention and controversy in many parts of the world,” said Mr. Sakala.
“We condemn this unwise move which ignores the wishes of the Zambian people to maintain a GMO-free country. NBA appears to undertake unilateral decisions in the interest of global food giants not the Zambian people, who do not lack GM-free food.”
He laments hat NBA wants to prioritize profits over health saying the consumers should reject this.
“We shall not eat poison. We demand that the permits issued be cancelled henceforth. We demand that the Board of NBA be dissolved immediately for putting the lives of consumers at risk,” he demanded.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

MONEY FM IS ZAMBIA’S FIRST AND ONLY BUSINESS & PERSONAL FINANCE RADIO STATION. WE FOCUS ON BUSINESS AND MONEY-RELATED TOPICS, AS WELL AS GENERAL NEWS AND DISCUSSION OF WIDER SOCIAL TOPICS SUCH AS HEALTH, EDUCATION, FOOD, MUSIC, FITNESS AND MORE.

______________________________________________________________________________________________