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LACK of latest technology to test ingredients in foodstuffs might be exposing Zimbabweans to contaminated products which are finding their way into the country, an expert has said. Government Analyst Laboratory deputy director for food control Mr Freddie Chinyavanhu said this while presenting oral evidence before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Welfare.
He said Government laboratories were not equipped to deal with latest inventions in the food industry, yet most of the foods ended up in the country.
“We are found wanting because we do not have technology to match food advancements,” he said.
Mr Chinyavanhu said Government laboratories were equipped with obsolete equipment which could not test mixed meats, a situation that exposes the public to any kinds of meat.
To be certain of ingredients in mixed meats, inspectors should conduct DNA tests but the country does not have the technology to conduct them.
“At the moment there is no laboratory in this country to carry out DNA tests on mixed meats so we rely on pre-shipment tests.
“We do not have the capacity to test those meats to see if there is a mixture,” he said.
Traces of donkey and water buffalo meat were found in beef products in South Africa with concern being raised that the meat could have found its way into Zimbabwe.
Deputy director for food safety and port health Mr Victor Nyamande told the same committee that the department was moving to formulate regulations for monitoring food imports.
“In terms of imported foods we are trying to put in place laws to safeguard the safety of food. It is a security issue and every country should safeguard the safety of food hence our move to monitor imports,” he said. – New Ziana
Online Reporter