Malawi to accept, mill genetically altered food aid
Date: 04-Sep-02
Country: MALAWI
About 13 million people in six southern African countries face starvation or health-threatening food shortages over the next six months.
But the Zambian government has refused to accept donations of genetically modified (GM) grains from the United States, citing concerns of its impact on human health.
Zimbabwe has instituted a milling programme to ensure that none of the food is used for planting.
Banda said the government had decided to mill all maize donations, especially those from the U.S. relief agency USAID.
"We know there are people who might defy our warning not to replant the modified maize. And there is also a fear that some maize might spill in the process of distribution," he said.
Banda said that though the maize had been certified fit for human consumption by the World Health Organization, the Malawi government remained concerned about the environmental impact of its growth in the country.
Malawi is expecting 73,000 tonnes of GM maize from USAID.