Namibia will now be able to trace the history of genetically modified organisms’ products on the local market.
The National Commission for Research, Science and Technology’s (NCRST) biotechnology manager Paulus Mungeyi said … that the traceability of GMO is critical to determine their content.
He said this after the official launch of the NCRST’s biotechnology testing, training and research laboratory in Windhoek…. The establishment of the lab, Mungeyi said, is part of the mandate to administer the Biosafety Act which regulates activities involving the research, development, production, marketing, transportation and other uses of GMOs, and specific products from GMOs.
…
“The laboratory will play a big role in building local capacity regarding producing a cadre of professional researchers in this field, and ultimately producing by-products that are designed and suited for local use, rather than always relying on imports,” he added.
…
[Director of research and innovation in the higher education ministry Lisho Mundia] pointed out that there is misinformation among communities about GMOs and other biotechnology-based products because of a lack of capacity and resources.“Therefore, by building local testing and food safety assessment capacity, Namibia will be in a better position to make decisions on the standards of food we produce or import, through an evidence-based approach,” Mundia said.
Read full, original post: Namibia can now trace GMO origins
