NBA warns against illegal GMO maize import
The National Biotechnology Authority (NBA) has warned locals against unlawful importation and
handling of genetically modified (GMO) grain as the country seeks to alleviate the problems of the
current drought.
NBA chief executive officer and registrar Dr Deckstar Savadye in a statement said, “As you are aware,
Zimbabwe is a non-GM producing country. To that effect, the NBA wishes to advise all importers or
handlers of imported GM grain to adhere to Statutory Instrument (SI) 157 of 2018, (Food, Feed, Food
and Feed Additives and Seed) (Imports, Exports and Transit) regulations.”
For one to import GM grain, they should be registered with the NBA and must be a holder of a
biosafety import permit The NBA requires importers of grain to notify the board when GM grain arrives in the country to allow thorough supervision by the authority’s inspectors.
“The importer is also required to notify the NBA when their consignment of GM grain enters the
country, to enable the NBA to deploy inspectors to the site where the grain will be processed. As the
GM grain is to be processed under strict supervision by the NBA,” Dr Savadye said.
The notice comes after the Government granted permission to companies and individuals to import
maize, rice, and cooking oil duty-free with effect from July 2024 to avert looming food shortages
emanating from the El Nino-induced drought.
Other measures taken by the Government to beef up stocks included the purchase of local grain at an
import parity price of US$390 per tonne to mop up excess local grain.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing in March, the Minister of Information, Publicity and
Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere said the importation of GM grain would be for stockfeed
production.
“Government has okayed a duty waiver on the importation of rice and potato seed, and the
importation of genetically modified maize for stock feed, under strictly supervised milling and
distribution,” the minister said.
The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka added
that rice and potatoes would be regarded as key staples to ensure national food security.
Importers and processors who do not adhere to the law are liable to a fine or imprisonment under SI
157 of 2018.
“In addition, it is also an offense to process GM grain without NBA supervision.
“Violating provisions in SI 157 of 2018 will result in the perpetrator being liable to a fine not exceeding
level 12 or to imprisonment not exceeding five years or to both such fine and imprisonment,” Dr
Savadye said.
Source Link: https://www.herald.co.zw/nba-warns-against-illegal-gmo-maize-imports/
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