LINDA SOKO TEMBO writes
A ZAMBIA-BASED firm, Freddy Hirsch Group Limited has been given a permit by the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) to import spices that may contain ingredients made from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
NBA communications officer Sandra Lombe said the company had been allowed to bring in the spices some of which were used in the production of sausages such as boerewors.
In a statement Ms Lombe NBA allowed Freddy Hirsh to proceed with importation of spices after safety tests were conducted on the samples.
“The company applied to bring in 29 products among them; Garlic powder, Paprika Rosen, Zambeef HP, Zambeef French polony, Beef Sausage, Boerewors farm Style ‘R” , Hunters Biltong Seasoning, Oukraal Wors ’R’, Cumberland pork sausage, Russian Montana and Peri Peri rub spices among others,” she said.
Ms Lombe said that meant whoever bought the above mentioned products was expected to have a copy of Freddy Hirsch’s permit.
She said all those making products using the said spices for sale would be required to clearly label their products that they may contain ingredients of GMO products.
She warned that failure to do so would lead to seizure and burning of their products in accordance with the provisions of the law
And Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) has been given a go ahead to conduct research using a vaccine made from genetically modified materials aimed at fighting diarrhoea in infants.
Ms Lombe said the move followed recommendations from its scientific advisory committee.
Ms Lombe said CIDRZ would conduct research on infants aged between 6 and 8 weeks and will cover 1,500 children in Zambia to try and reduce mortality rate in infants through diarrhoea diseases.
She said about 8,200 infants in three African countries including Zambia would participate in the vaccine trial.
