GMOs detection workshop held in Tanzania

Twenty researchers and regulators from various public institutions in Tanzania have recently been trained in genetically modified organisms (GMOs) management. The ten-day course, "Hands-on Training Workshop on Detection of Genetically Modified Organisms," was funded by the FAO and was the first of its kind in the country.

The Director of Environment, Eric Mugurusi, said Tanzania upholds the inherent benefits from modern biotechnology application including genetically engineered organisms. He, however, observed that genetic modification has raised concerns about its possible effects on human health and the environment, making it necessary to develop appropriate policies and regulations to promote its safe use.

He said that the Cartagena Protocol for Biosafety (CPB) which Tanzania has acceded is in place to set standards and procedures to protect the world's biological diversity. The protocol also takes into account human health and socio-cultural implications. Mugurusi, an expert in biosafety regulations and framework application, said the ability to test for the presence of GMOs is fundamental to control their movement, particularly in countries which are recipients of food aid.

Mugurusi noted that inability to detect GMOs was a critical shortcoming because unregulated movement holds the real possibility of GMO contaminating the local and indigenous seed source of any particular crop, causing far-reaching implications on sustainable agriculture.

IPP Media