WINDHOEK — The Namibian Organic Association (NOA) and the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) have repeatedly called for the introduction of mandatory and comprehensive labelling for genetically engineered agricultural products or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Namibia after low traces of GMO’s were found in maize meal on the shelves in super markets and retail outlets.
The NAB has also reprimanded those responsible for producing and marketing maize products that a consumer lobby charged contains so-called Genetically Modified maize, despite a general ban on GMO maize. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Agronomic Board, Christoph Brock, says that the Board does not in any way support the production of modified maize as these substances are banned. “Mandatory and comprehensive labelling is necessary in order to ensure that the rights of consumers are protected, since a rapidly growing number of consumers do not want to consume genetically engineered agricultural products,” Chairperson of NOA, Manjo Smith, says.
Smith made the statement after revelations in 2013 that some popularly consumed food products in Namibia actually contain GMOs. The Namibia Consumer Trust (NCT) had after years of suspicion of wrongdoing in the agronomic sector, sent some samples of three maize-based products for testing to a lab at the University of the Free State in South Africa in early 2013 and two weeks ago the NTC reported that this trend persists. The test done in early 2013 revealed that Ace Instant Porridge contains 56.82 percent genetically modified maize, while the popular White Star Maize contain 2.75 percent genetically modified maize, and Top Score Maize Meal contains 1.09 percent genetically modified maize. “Our concern and objection are based on the worrying body of published, peer-reviewed scientific evidence from controlled animal studies carried out in many countries that demonstrate that GMOs cause a wide range of serious unexpected and unanticipated health problems,” Smith says.
According to her, farmers and consumers deserve to choose and actively pursue the kind of future they want for the food industry, the agricultural sector and arable land, as well as the risks they are willing to take in exercising that choice. “But once GM crops become part of the environment and food production systems, they cannot be contained and our right to choice is denied,” she says.
Smith goes on that it is therefore critical that regulators develop and adhere to safety checks in the food industry, or even question whether new technologies are in the best interest of Namibian producers and consumers alike.
The NOA chairperson notes that they have approached the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology for the speedy implementation of the Biosafety Act of 2006. The regulations are currently being reviewed by the legislature. Smith further says at least all products containing a minimum of a percent GMOs should be labelled. A positive thing, according to Smith, is the fact that a number of South African-produced products found on Namibian shelves are being labelled. However, only South African products with a minimum of five percent GMO presence are labelled. “We are concerned about that. Five percent is too high. For example consuming these products will compromise a person with HIV and AIDS immune system. Baby foods with combined starches could also contain GMOs,” she says.
Some industry players warn that the five percent threshold is not based on any scientific measure, but purely on commercial considerations. In neighbouring South Africa, from where about 70 percent of Namibian food originates, consumers have won a hard earned victory with regard to the labelling of GM foods. The Namibian Organic Association campaigns against the use of genetically modified ingredients in human and animal foods and are against the commercial production of GM crops in Namibia.
The NOA supports technologies that help produce food with care for human health, the environment and animal welfare, putting farmers in control of their own livelihoods. A Stakeholders Workshop on the Review of Biosafety Regulations was held in Windhoek two weeks ago and it transpired there that regulations that were drawn up recently regarding this issue for reviewing had to be sent back to the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), as it contained various mistakes and discrepancies. These must now be reviewed and revised before actual biosafety regulations will be put in place.
By Deon Schlechter