Government urged to pay attention to regulation of genetically modified foods
Nigerian government urged to pay better attention to the regulation of genetically modified foods.
A nutrition security expert, Adedotun Owolabi, made this call , urging the government to focus on encouraging the fortification of locally produced food products to ensure they have the important nutrients.
He also noted that Nigerian nation should look into the importation and consumption of foods containing genetically modified organisms because of the uncertainty about its safety.
Owolabi while stressing that such foods should be regulated noted that the absence of regulation on it was inappropriate.
The nutritionist noted that the safety of GMO foods is still a contentious issue around the world, adding that while most European countries have banned them due to health concerns, they have received favourable regulations in the United States and Brazil.
Recall that in 2021, Nigeria introduced genetically modified seeds through the National Biosafety Management Agency.
Speaking at a workshop, the Director-General of the agency, Rufus Ebegba had stated that safe science and technology have been known to be drivers of economic change the world over, adding that Nigeria cannot be left behind.
Owolabi, who is a food and nutrition security expert, also noted that Nigeria should focus on the biofortification of food products to ensure that they contain nutrients that may be lacking in such food produce.
According to Owolabi, biofortification is the process of breeding staple crops to have higher levels of essential nutrients either through selective breeding or genetic modification.
“In Nigeria, we do not have regulations that support GMO foods. Instead of GMO foods, Nigeria talks more about biological fortification of staple foods- Biofortification.”
“That is if a food product is lacking in a particular nutrient, this nutrient that is lacking can be introduced into the foods through conventional breeding or genetic engineering.”
The nutrition security expert said while there has been no conclusive evidence to support or ban the use of GMOs, it should still not be left unregulated.
He urged the Federal government to formulate policies and regulations on GMO foods to protect the citizens.
According to experts, genetically modified organisms are any organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
Some examples of it include a wide range of organisms, from insects and plants to animals used in food production.
According to a recent report published online, GMO products remain controversial among environmental and natural living groups.
According to the article, opponents of genetic modification worry that genetic changes may affect human health in unanticipated ways, adding that there is concern that the nutrients from these products may damage tissue or not metabolise as effectively as non-GMO foods.
It also noted the lack of knowledge on the long-term effects of consuming GMO products.
Owolabi said, “The safety of GMOs is still very unclear. All over the world, the safety of GMO foods is still very uncertain.
“Some countries such as France and Germany have banned growing genetically mortified foods. And you know most foods we eat in Nigeria come from these countries,”
Punch
