CZI pushes for adoption of GMOs

food manufacturing to reduce the cost of raw materials and enhance the competitiveness of local firms.
CZI president Mr Joseph Kanyekanye said there was no scientific evidence as to the harmful nature of GMOs, adding that locals were presently consuming them, especially in chickens, rice and cooking oil from South Africa.

He made the remarks at the CZI annual congress held at the Elephant Hills Hotel in the resort town of Victoria Falls last week.
“For a long time we have pushed for adoption of GMOs. There is no scientific evidence that says consumption of GMOs is harmful.
“Almost everyone eats GMOs at some point every week,” said Mr Kanyekanye.

He said banning the use of GMOs disadvantaged local firms as raw materials that are not genetically modified were more expensive than unmodified ones.
The CZI president also lamented Government’s position against GMOs while, on the other hand, allowing imports of finished goods made from GMOs.

Despite being among the top four countries in Africa to start GMO research Zimbabwe continues to ban the use of GMO raw material in food manufacturing.
A number of events across the world have, however, led to suspicions that GMOs are not safe for human consumption and this involved events in Italy and Australia.

But countries such as India, Philippines, Kenya, South Africa, Brazil and the European Union have adopted genetic engineering to reduce cost of raw materials, improve yields, efficiency in animal and plant disease control.

However, in her presentation at the CZI conference Southern Africa Network of GMO Detection Laboratories co-ordinator Dr Dahlia Garwe said “safety concerns are not new, nor are they unique to genetic engineering”.

The argument for GMO stems from the fact that genetic engineering is rapidly moving towards domination of world food production at the least cost.
It is also preferred because of increased resistance to diseases among animals, feed efficiency, better yields of meat, eggs, and milk leading to food security.

Genetic engineering may lead to a vibrant economy, but what is critical is correct dissemination of information on potential rewards and safety concerns that may arise.
Dr Garwe said: “The key factor is not how it is produced, but what is produced and how it will be used.”
She said resource mobilisation, research and policy development, increased implementation capacity, collaboration and networking are crucial for GMOs and genetic engineering.