NBA gives chain stores 7 days ultimatum to get copies of permits to sell GMOs products

The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has directed all chain stores, wholesalers, retailers and traders dealing in products that may contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) a one week ultimatum to get copies of permits from their suppliers for them to sell the products.

NBA Registrar Lackson Tonga has warned that all traders who will not have copies of permits for placing on the market products that may contain GMOs will be dealt with according to the provisions of the law.

Mr Tonga explains that the Authority conducts risk assessment to ascertain the safety of the processed food made from genetically modified organisms and thereafter issue an appropriate permit.

He says two different kinds of permits are issued in relation to food, feed or processing.

In a statement made available to Q-News, Mr. Tonga says one permit is for importation of products that may or contain GMOs and is valid for about five years and another for placing on the market to enable one to sell products that may contain GMOs, and is valid for a maximum of about six months.

He has stated that wholesalers and distributors are required to get import permits to bring in the country products containing GMOs and further get a permit for the products to be sold on the Zambian Market.

Mr. Tonga has warned that those that will not have copies of permits for placing on the market will have their products and goods confiscated and destroyed.

He has disclosed that four leading superstores and one distributor have since been asked to pull down products that may contain GMOs after they were found to be wanting in some areas.