GM controversy continues

Following a flood of reports over the acceptance, or lack thereof, for genetically modified (GM) relief food in drought hit Southern Africa, the World Food Programme (WFP) has moved to set the record straight. Nearly 13 million people in six countries require food aid to stave off hunger. WFP and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) have blamed adverse weather and failed government policy for the perilous situation. WFP has appealed for US $507 million in aid for Southern Africa, however, some governments in the region are reluctant to accept GM relief food. Judith Lewis, WFP Regional Director, East and Southern Africa told IRIN: "There is a great deal of disinformation, misinformation and lack of information regarding the GM issue. "The governments of Lesotho, Malawi and Swaziland are all accepting relief food aid of GM origin." Zimbabwe, which had previously refused to accept GM relief food, was now "in negotiations with the government of the United States over the acceptance of GM maize". Zambia remains undecided regarding GM relief food, though it has banned commercial imports of GM food. Vice President Enoch Kavindele told parliament on Thursday that there was 15,000 mt of GM relief maize in the country but no decision had been made on whether to distribute it or not, Zambian radio reported. "The government of Zambia is holding a stakeholders meeting on the issue next week [Monday]," Lewis said. Meanwhile, WFP was still "in ongoing negotiations with the government of Mozambique regarding GM issues," she said.