GMO maize put on hold

2005-11-23 09:43

Pretoria - New applications to import genetically modified (GM) maize into South Africa were on hold until the outcome of a study into their potential impact was known, the agriculture department said on Tuesday.

"Although no moratorium has been placed on the importation of GM maize into South Africa, new applications to import GM maize will be pending until the outcome of a study into their potential impact on South African trade is released," said agriculture spokesperson Steve Galane.

The study had been commissioned by the Executive Council - a body consisting of NGOs, the departments of Agriculture, Health, Labour, Trade and Industry, Science and Technology and Environmental Affairs.

The council was appointed under the GMO Act which regulates all activities involving genetically modified organisms in South Africa.

Galane said the study would be conducted under leadership of the trade and industry department in partnership with key role players such as the National Agricultural Marketing Council and others.

"Those seeking to import GM maize into the country for use as food or (animal) feed must indicate all the GM contents of their maize consignments and that such contents have been approved for such use by the Executive Council," said Galane.

He said companies were also compelled to indicate the GM contents of the final products on store shelves. This was under the jurisdiction of the health department.

"Since there are a number of proposed amendments to the act, the study will also serve to see whether current imports are in line with the amendments," said Galane.

He said the amendments could not be published until they had been ratified by Parliament.

The study is expected to be released by March next year.

- SAPA