CONSUMERS URGED TO LEARN ABOUT GM FOODS

JAMAICAN consumers are being urged to inform themselves about the risks and benefits of genetically modified (GM) foods so that they can make informed choices on whether they may wish to consume them.

According to Pedro Hodges, Director of Research, Information and Communication at the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), research on this relatively new technology is still at an early stage, and whilst there are many benefits to producing GM foods, there are also concerns.

Hodges said that if consumers are able to identify GM foods, they may decide to consume them now or wait until further research is conducted. GM foods, he explained, are “derived from crops or animals that have been altered by introducing specific genetic traits from bacteria, other plants or animals, or other organisms”.

Advocates say the benefits of this new technology include improvement in the nutritional value of foods; an increase in crop yields beyond the maximum for existing variety; a reduction of post-harvest losses; a reduced reliance on chemical pesticides, or the development of pest-resistant crops; the development of crops that are better able to utilise soil nutrients; and the production of crops that are more tolerant to climate stress, such as drought, cold or heat.

But consumer organisations and some governments around the world have expressed concern about the use of genetic engineering technology on foods.

The Brazilian government is currently faced with a dilemma concerning GM foods as it possesses six million tonnes of illegally grown transgenic soya which should rightly be destroyed but which, some argue; could be used to feed that country’s hunger stricken population.

Noting that the CAC’s concerns surround the health and safety of humans, Hodges said that it is commonly believed that altering plant genes may result in the production of plants that are allergenic (causing an allergic reaction), toxic or of a reduced nutritional value.

Additionally, Hodges said that there are also environmental concerns, as some scientists argue that GM seeds may contaminate non-genetically modified crops. He noted that persons have raised the issue of ethics and contend that scientists should not tamper with nature in this manner.

Last week. in order to assist consumers to better understand the nature of genetically modified foods, the CAC hosted a series ‘of activities leading up to the observance of World Consumer Rights Day on March 15, 2003. The theme for the week was “Corporate control of the food chain: The GM link”.

During the week, focus was placed on multinational companies within the biotechnology industry that are using genetic engineering technology to control food production and distribution.

On March 15, 2003, in celebration of World Consumer Rights Day, consumer groups around the world protested against genetically modified foods and the methods used by agri-business to control the food we eat.

Consumers International — a global federation of over 250 consumer organisations co-ordinated the protest to assert the principle that consumer rights come before profit and corporate control in determining what foods we eat.

Hodges said that consumers could obtain further information on GM foods through the National Commission on Science and Technology, an agency operating out of the Office of the Prime Minister.