The National Biosafety Authority NBA is concerned that despite scoring some successes in biosafety promotion, there are still some challenges such as negative perceptions of biotechnology and misinformation which need to be addressed.
NBA Acting Chief Executive Officer Lillian Nkamu said the authority will continue to conduct sensitisation to ensure people know what is expected of them in relation to the biosafety act.
Ms Nkamu said this when the NBA conducted an open day at its premises in Chilanga aimed at sharing information and interacting with the public to hear views and concerns on biosafety issues that need to be addressed.
“As you may be aware, the NBA regulates matters related to GMOs and issues concerning biosafety. This can be activities related to the application of the technology to mitigate climate change effects, import, export, transit, contained use research and development, release or placing on the market of any GMO or products whether intended for use or food, feed and pharmaceuticals,” she said.
Ms Nkamu said the authority has noted positives in compliance to the biosafety act with importers and distributors of GMO products through the number of permit applications and renewals.
She however added, “We want to see researchers and and developers find solutions to mitigate climate change effects as the increase in drought, pests and diseases require application of biotechnology. This must be done taking into consideration biosafety measures to ensure safety for humans, animals and protection of the environment.”
And Acting Chilanga District Commissioner Maureen Chilende said the NBA’s mandate in important with the country continuing to face climate change effects, and solutions to addressing related challenges lie in morden technologies.
She said ensuring safety in laboratories, research facilities and the food sector is critical to the development of the country.
“Recently, we were celebrating World Food Safety Day and knowing that the NBA is among the institutions and organisations ensuring food safety and public health is gratyfing. I am informed of the rigorous risk assessment which the NBA conducts before permits for research and importation of products which may contain GMOs are granted or denied. The assessment ascertains the safety of the product which one intends research on or import in the country,” she said.
She encouraged people to take interest in biosafety issues to avoid misconceptions and misinformation.
