Choppies Gets All Clear to Import GMOs

Chain Store Choppies, has been granted a permit to begin the importation of Genetically Modified Organisms GMOs into Zambia by the National Biosafety Authority.

Among the products the chain store will import and place on the market include instant choppies porridge, chilli beef flavored soup, oxtail flavored soup, chakalaka flavored soup, brown onion soup and choppies corn flakes.

During their Authorities last meeting held on Friday July 6, 2018, the Board approved the application for a permit to import products that may contain GMOS by choppies superstores following a recommendation from the Scientific Advisory Committee –SAC-.

The Committee after conducting a risk assessment, found that the products that choppies superstores sought to import did not contain toxins and allergens that might cause harm to the humans, animals and the environment.

The Authority in  April this year while accompanied by Inspectors from the Ministry of Health, Lusaka City Council and the police swung into action and pounced on Lake Road and Ibex choppies superstores confiscating food products worth over K21,000 which were brought in the Country without obtaining approval from the authority.

Meanwhile, the Authority has issued 23 permits since 2015 to various companies for the importation and or placing on the market of products that may contain GMOS.

The import permits are valid for 5 years while permits for placing on the market range between three to six months to ensure compliance and prevent companies from contravening the law.

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