Sri Lanka bans import of genetically modified food
Date: 11-Apr-00
Country: SRI LANKA
"The government wants to wait until the controversy surrounding GM foods has
cleared," S. Nagiah, chief food inspector of the health ministry, told Reuters by
telephone.
Nagiah said the government's food advisory committee was keen to avoid health
risks associated with genetic modifications, adding there were no price
advantages to be gained from importing GM foods. Sri Lanka does not produce any
GM foods, but is a significant importer of wheat and sugar.
GM foods contain a gene from another organism generally to make them resistant to
herbicides or to produce their own toxins to kill pests. Proponents of the new
technology say it contributes to higher crop yields and lower production costs
while critics fear long-term health and environmental consequences.