Friday, December 03, 2004
Genetically Modifides get the chop till proven safe
Friday, November 26, 2004
By Damitha Hemachandra
More than seventy percent of the members and representative of national and non-governmental organisations, who gathered at Bangkok in Thailand, voted for the suspension of the further release of Genetically Modified Food (GMF) and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) until such time that they can be proven, beyond reasonable doubt, to be safe for bio-diversity, human and livestock health.
The World Conservation Union (IUCN) has also agreed to impose a moratorium on the further release of GMF and GMO in a bid to guard against its possible adverse effects on biological resources.
The resolutions provide a clear mechanism for undertaking a state-of-the-science report to be delivered within one year, presenting current knowledge on the development, dispersal and impacts of GMO.
The unregulated rise of GMOs worldwide during recent years, especially in Asia, by a few countries, who hold higher production capacity has led to concern among scientists and government officials.
Sri Lanka however is yet to implement its long suspended decision on genetically modified food items while the Agriculture Authorities have suspended the introduction and propagation of GMO into the country.
The Health Ministry earlier pledged to introduce a compulsory system of labelling, giving the customers a choice between non-GM and GM food, which is being kept on hold due to pressure from food importers.
By Damitha Hemachandra
More than seventy percent of the members and representative of national and non-governmental organisations, who gathered at Bangkok in Thailand, voted for the suspension of the further release of Genetically Modified Food (GMF) and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) until such time that they can be proven, beyond reasonable doubt, to be safe for bio-diversity, human and livestock health.
The World Conservation Union (IUCN) has also agreed to impose a moratorium on the further release of GMF and GMO in a bid to guard against its possible adverse effects on biological resources.
The resolutions provide a clear mechanism for undertaking a state-of-the-science report to be delivered within one year, presenting current knowledge on the development, dispersal and impacts of GMO.
The unregulated rise of GMOs worldwide during recent years, especially in Asia, by a few countries, who hold higher production capacity has led to concern among scientists and government officials.
Sri Lanka however is yet to implement its long suspended decision on genetically modified food items while the Agriculture Authorities have suspended the introduction and propagation of GMO into the country.
The Health Ministry earlier pledged to introduce a compulsory system of labelling, giving the customers a choice between non-GM and GM food, which is being kept on hold due to pressure from food importers.
