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National Biosafety Authority seize GMO Food Products worth over K80,000 in Lusaka

Summary

The National Biosafety Authority has seized imported products worth over K 80,000 from several Chain Stores in Lusaka that are suspected to contain genetically modified organism (GMOs). 

Updated on : 22-09-2020

The National Biosafety Authority has seized products that are suspected to contain genetically modified organism (GMOs) worth over K 80,000 from several chain stores in Lusaka. The products seized from Game stores and Spar supermarket were being sold without an import permit from the Authority. The affected 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 NBA.

During its spot and compliance checks NBA discovered that the two chain stores were trading in some products which were suspected to contain GMOs which are not safe for consumption in Zambia.

“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 soups (chili flavor).”

“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”, an NBA representative said.

The Authority is disappointed that despite the stores being aware of the process and procedure on how to import and place on the market products which may contain GMO they disregarded the Act. 

The Biosafety Act of 2007 restricts the importation of products that may contain GMOs. In particular Part iii section 10 (1) of the Act states that a person shall not import, export, transit or place on the market any GMO without prior approval of the Authority through the issuance of a permit.

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