The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) says it has seized over 2,000 tonnes of genetically modified (GMO) maize seed from four provinces of the country.
In a statement issued by the Authority Communications Officer Sandra Lombe said, the seed which was yet to be on the Zambian market has been seized and will be destroyed according to the Biosafety Act No. 10 of 2007.
Ms Lombe stated that the Authority randomly collected 74 samples of different varieties of maize from some farms fields and warehouses in Lusaka, Central, Southern and Northern provinces and subjected them to GMO test using Polymerase Chain Reaction.
“Of these 74 samples, from various farmers across the four provinces, four samples tested positive to genetic modification and have since been seized on site by the Authority. During the investigation the four samples were subjected to tests at local and international laboratories. The affected farmers have been directed to immediately confine, contain and secure the products as per the provisions of the Biosafety Act,” she said.
“The 2,187 tonnes seized products will be destroyed in the presence of the NBA officials and other relevant authorities. However, investigations into the matter have continued. We are also working with other relevant authorities on the same matter.”
Meanwhile Ms Lombe added that the NBA has continued with the sampling and testing of the seed products from the farms and warehouses countrywide.
“We are happy with the cooperation we have received so far from the farmers, seed growers and seed companies. We are not only sampling from commercial farmers and seed companies but also small scale farmers,” he said.
“Apart from maize seed we are also looking at soya beans. The Biosafety Act prohibits any genetic modification activity on crops or livestock of strategic importance.”
She further said the Authority has continued with its monitoring, inspections and surveillance across the country and the presence of inspectors at the ports of entry has had a positive impact in the monitoring of the inflow of GMO products and products that may contain GMOs.
“We still remain committed to ensuring that any GMO product or a product which may contain GMOs authorized on the market is safe for humans, animals and the environment.”
The banks that financed the farmers hv lehal departments. Are they also accessories to these illegal activities? Haul them over the coals also.
Please reinforce at borders
Everything is porous under this govt of Lazy Lungu even serial killers in maximum can masquarade as warders and rape , murder our women!!
Everything is porous under this govt of Lazy Lungu even serial killers in maximum can masquarade as warders and r ape , murder our women!!
*…masquerade …
Thank you very much.
Now, burn it, don’t let it see the light of day.
HH flooding our country with his gay modified maize. Well done for stopping these thugs
I warned about this and some bloggers thought I was going mad. Investigate the activities at SEEDCO. We need to keep our original seed in secure safes otherwise we are finished.
STu-P1d Comment HH this and HH that GRRRRRRRR
Where is Lungu Hiding in state House ??
A Qustion only !!!! has he been given an ultimatim by his underlings to resign the postion should PF win on health grounds ???
Answer this so we know
GMO ??? REJECT IT !!!! AS WE STILL 50 YEARS BEHIND THE MODERN WORLD WHO ON HERE ACTUALLY KNOWS ABOUT GMO EXCEPT WHAT THEY HEAR BY SOME HALF BAKED PROFFESSINALS,
AND TRY STOP SEEDCO HAS THEY HAVE BEEN ASKED BY GOVERNMENT TO SUPPLY SEED MAIZE FOR ELECTION PURPOSES NOW NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!
More than 2000 tons of the stuff came from abroad, that’s dozens and dozens of large trucks, and the corrupt PF government DIDN’T NOTICE??? Let me guess, they were having lunch when these trucks crossed the border??? What a joke, bunch of hypocrites!!!
Its a waste of time crying about GMOs . They are already in Zed
Good move from the Biosafety Authorities. I however see a paradox and hypocrisy in banning GMO foods but at the same time allowing MRnA vaccines that have not undergone enough long-term tests. To me the latter clearly poses a greater risk than the former.
You let the farmers especially small scale farmers buy the seeds, plant and buy expensive fertilizer to apply in their maize fields. After they harvest or about to harvest you come and certify their produce as GMO, that is murder. Why didn’t you check with these seed companies or the Agro shops to confiscate all the GMO seeds before the farmer bought for planting? This story doesn’t make sense to me.