More than 30 different products -mostly imported from USA, China, India and South Africa- labelled to be produced with genetically modified ingredients have been found in Nigerian markets. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are products of genetic engineering. This technology allows scientists to create plants, animals and micro-organisms by manipulating genes in a way that is not possible via traditional or natural processes.
A survey by Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), carried out in nine major cities in Nigeria, revealed that over 30 products including vegetable oils, cereals, noodles, ice cream, salad creams and food spices, labelled to be produced with genetically modified ingredients are in the Nigerian market.
While these products may be cheap, some claim that these products are accompanied by heavy doses of chemicals which are highly toxic and linked to serious health defects.
HOMEF programmes manager Joyce Brown claims that GMO crops pose grave concern for food systems, human and environmental health. She disclosed that several countries have taken a stand against genetically modified food products because they have found that these products do not give the benefits or show characteristics that they are acclaimed to possess.
Source: leadership.ng