National Biosafety Authority (NBA) says it has this year issued 7 import permits for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the country and 1 research clinical permit on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka, Authority Public Relations Officer Sandra Lombe said this brings the total number of research activities on GMO’S to 5 since 2015.

Ms. Lombe noted that the organization has also this year renewed 33 permits for placing on the market products that may contain (GMOs).

“From January to date we have issued 7 imports for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) while 33 permits have been renewed for placing on the market products that may contain (GMOs) Ms Lombe said.

“We have also granted one research permit for the HIV clinical trials being the total number of research activities on GMO’S to 5 since 2015.”

Ms. Lombe explained that that the Authority also managed to destroy about 150, 000 products suspected to contain Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) on the market.

“We conducted surveillance spot compliance checks this year and in some cases we sized and destroyed products that may contain GOM’s on the market and the products that we have sized and destroyed this year amount to about 1,50 000,” she said.

She has since described 2020 as a successful year despite challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

And Ms. Lombe says the outbreak of Covid-19 slowed down a number of planned activities for the organization as it failed to participate in most international events.

“As a result of Covid-19, the institution slowed down on a number of planned activities and it also affected the surveillance, sport and compliance checkups which are the key mandate for the organization,” she explained.