Times Of Swaziland: More countries ban GMOs

More countries ban GMOs
================================================================================
 TSAKASILE DLAMINI on 29/06/2012 00:00:00


MBABANE – While the use of GM crops is rapidly taking over the world, some
countries have taken the bold step to ban these questionable crops.
One of the major reasons behind this is the lack of adequate human testing to
evaluate the effects of these crops on human health, both short-term and
long-term. According to a website source, tests that have taken place to show
that animals which refuse to eat Genetically Modified feed and are subsequently
force-fed it develop lesions, abnormalities, disease and some eventually die.
There is a concern that humans might respond the same way; there is just not
enough evidence that they won’t. Another factor is that GM crops could damage
vulnerable wild plant and animal populations and harm biodiversity.
There are too many environmental effects of growing these GM crops, such as
cross-pollination, ‘super weeds’ and hazardous GM herbicides which destroy
the soil composition.
Once these GM crops have been planted and released into nature, they cannot be
recalled. Instead, as living organisms multiply, they will pass any damaging
traits from generation to generation. Swaziland currently is awaiting
legislation that will regulate GMOs in the country, but at present it is illegal
to import live GMOs.
Furthermore, GM crops were hailed for their ability to produce higher yields, a
promise which is fast proving to be untrue. According to the same website
source, "studies show that the most widely grown GM crop, soya, has suffered
reduced yields." The Independent newspaper says that a study carried out at the
University of Kansas in the US grain belt found that GM soya produces 10 per
cent less food than conventional soya, thus ‘contradicting assertions by
advocates of the technology that it increases yields’.
Another concern that some countries have is that genetic modification could
create foods that are toxic, allergy causing and less nutritious than their
non-GM counterparts. These crops could cause irreversible changes to our food
supply, with serious effects on the environment and human and animal health.
There are more than 50 countries that have banned or restricted the import,
distribution, sale, utilisation, field trials and commercial planting of GMOs.
-------------------------
Comments
During a GMO debate held earlier this year at UNISWA, I and a majority of the
attendants told the DPM that we don't want this bio-tech thing in SD because of
it's bio and environmental hazard. But bomathandizinto ngive batsi sebakha
iBio-tech Park. Kantsi don't they take submissions from the public? The public
said, 'NO TO BIO-TECH.' Just because this govt has a lot of money they are
trying to please at all costs. Don't pass that Bill please! This thing will
backfire, mark my words!
Jun 29, 2012, 4:22 AM, Anthoniser (anthonym198@gmail.com)