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The government has ensured that all bioengineered or genetically modified (GM) food and crops imported into the country for consumption by Kenyans are scrutinized for safety.
The National Biosafety Authority (NBA), the lead regulatory agency responsible for ensuring the safety of GM products in the country, requires that foods that are bioengineered ingredients must be subject to the same rigorous safety and hygiene standards as all other foods for human consumption. It says it will make sure it meets health standards. .
Kenya recently lifted a decades-old ban on GM crops in response to the worst drought to affect the East African region in 40 years, prompting authorities to improve crop yields and food security. I hope
“On October 3, 2022, the Cabinet lifted the ban on imports and cultivation for 10 years.
The use of GM foods in Kenya will allow those wishing to trade products derived from GMOs to do so adhering to the guidelines of the National Biosafety Agency,” NBA Chief Executive Roy Mugiira said in a notice. rice field.
NBA guidelines state that no genetically modified organisms may be imported into Kenya without written approval from the authorities.
“The agency shall notify the applicant of its final decision to approve or deny the application within 150 days of receipt of the application, but not later than 90 days of receipt,” the regulator said. said in
Violations carry heavy imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to 2 million shillings, or both.
Authorities charge up to Sh850,000 for releasing GM products into the environment and up to Sh50,000 for importing them.
Most GM plants are used to make ingredients used in other foods.
Popular GM-related foods include maize (maize), soybeans, potatoes, papaya, pineapples, and apples.
Nairobi is under pressure from GM traders to allow access to their products, and the approval offers a huge market for such players, especially the US, the world’s largest producer of GM crops. increase.
Kenya has been reluctant to approve the importation or cultivation of GM food crops since November 2012. The reason is that despite being touted as having several benefits, such as higher yields and drought and pest resistance, debate about its safety continues.
The move restricted sales of products from US companies such as DowDuPont and Monsanto, which were seeking potential new markets like Kenya.
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