Table 1. CHAPTER 2 DETECTION OF GMOs IN FOOD PRODUCTS IN SOUTH AFRICA 63 2.1 Introduction 64 2.2 Materials and methods 70 2.2.1 Product selection and sampling 70 2.2.2 DNA isolation 73 2.2.3 Screening for genetic modification 74 2.3 Results and discussion 75 2.4 Conclusion 82 RELATED: GMOs in South Africa: Facts at a Glance The first GM crops, yellow maize hybrids from Monsanto, were introduced in 1997. Some of the health concerns of food safety are warranted. Potjiekos. Developing countrie… Much of the public is convinced that genetic modification is a health danger, hence the fierce push to label GMO food. The Consumer Protection Act makes labeling of GM food mandatory. GMO Foods & Crops Grown In Pakistan. In other countries, the maize and soya is used predominantly for animal feed and for process foods – corn starch, corn syrup, soya flour, soya lecithin. Sweeteners: Sugar not specified as 100% cane sugar is likely GM. This ruling is applicable for imported wheat. Updated facts about GMOs and GM crops in South Africa, and why it's important to avoid and speak out against GMOs. Until 2008 South Africa was the only cultivator of GM maize, cotton and soybeans on the continent. Glyphosate is found in every loaf of bread sold in supermarkets across the country. A GMO is any type of organism, plant, or animal, whose genetic material has been manipulated through genetic engineering. But then Egypt began growing GM maize and Burkina Faso started growing GM cotton. In the case of GMO produce, a consumer may be completely unaware that what they are consuming could contain allergens. CERTIFICATION. The long life tomatoes we buy are not GM, however, a number of … While many people have concerns about the food they consume being derive… The majority of these species contain genes that make them either tolerant to herbicides or resistant to insects. More than 70% of local corn crops are genetically modified. Genetically modified crops are plants used in agriculture, the DNA of which has been modified using genetic engineering techniques. Genetically modified organisms are found in many food products, from corn on the cob to your favorite crackers. On November 17, 2016 South African Minister of Health approved in Government Gazette No. It is estimated that biotech crops ac oun tfr 24 %y el w m iz,10 h 74 Afr. When you purchase products labelled “100% organic,” “organic,” or “made with organic ingredients,” all ingredients in these products are not allowed to be produced from GM ingredients. Dr. Hennie Groenewald, executive manager at Biosafety South Africa, which is a national biosafety service platform within the nation’s technology innovation agency, said the country immediately knew what to do when the first genetically modified (GM) crop … These differences have created sharp trade conflicts for some nations, while also opening up export opportunities for others that favor GMO technologies. Yet since whatever we put in our mouths can either help or hinder our health, the use of GMO in food creates an extremely heated debate at most dinner tables. Galloway is a miller who is passionately building a business that a few months ago became the only mill in South Africa to start processing only non-GMO super maize. This gives you the independent verification you need to trade in confidence with countries specifying GMO-free products. In the future biotech crops could offer foods with higher nutrient levels, longer shelf life and the ability to grow, even in the face of climate change. Can a low-carb diet weaken your immune system? Eating organic foods may help limit your exposure to GMOs. Overexposure to these elements could render life-saving antibiotics useless. Genetically modified (GM) crops have been commercially cultivated in four African countries; South Africa, Burkina Faso, Egypt and Sudan. Health-e News is an award-winning print and TV health news service providing content to South African news outlets. • Maize – e.g. South Africa has a dual agricultural econ-omy, with a well-developed commercial sector and a reasonably big subsistence sector. However, although some companies have started labeling voluntarily, government is certainly not doing enough to implement labeling, and monitoring – which is extremely necessary – is not happening,” said Swanby. Currently South Africa grows three commercial crops that have been genetically modified, mainly for herbicide and insect tolerance. Galloway says she has looked hard but has struggled to find any maize products labeled GMO-free. The Health Department’s role is to work with all stakeholders and the food industry to ensure that the South African public has access to nutritious food that enhances their overall health status,” said Popo Maja, media liaison officer for the national Department of Health. The Kingdom of Swaziland, the country worst-affected by HIV on the planet, has made monumental gains in the fight against AIDS in the past five years. South Africa has had compulsory GM labelling regulations in place since 2004 when the Department of Health (DOH) introduced labelling regulations under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (1972) – Regulation 25. South Africa first approved the commercial release of genetically modified, insect-resistant cotton and maize in 1997.Today, South Africa is the world’s eighth largest producer of GMO crops. South Africans are eating GMO foods every day, Revealed: the corruption behind Gauteng Health crisis, Woman survives alleged human trafficking scam. NO GMO South Africa. When analyzing processed foods, it can be difficult to detect material derived from genetically modified plants due to its degradation during the manufacturing process. We Encourage South Africans to Support Local Farmers & Markets who produce Organic Fresh & Processed Foods which are Free of GMOs: For example, 87% of South Africa’s locally produced maize is currently GM. “There are health related issues which include impacts on the kidneys, liver, the stomach, reproductive system and the immune system. The concern has been raised that genetically modified DNA would be unstable, causing DNA damage not only to the crop, but also to whomever would consume it. The challenge for agricultural production is to keep up with population growth and demand. Fact Sheet: GMOs in South Africa. Nearly all GM foods contain “antibiotic resistance” markers. Until recently, South Africa was the only country in Africa that allowed the commercial release of GMOs (cotton, soya, yellow and white maize). Despite the higher cost of GM seeds, adoption by many farmers was quick, steady, and widespread. According to Groenewald, the concerns of these groups are addressed in the detailed reports of a multitude of governmental regulatory agencies, independent scientific organisations, and leading health associations around the world. “The Consumer Protection Act makes labeling of GM food mandatory. When compared to organic foods, Stanford University has even found that there are no additional health risks when eating GMO foods or organic foods. But then Egypt began growing GM maize and Burkina Faso started growing GM cotton. But the food industry disputes the interpretation of the regulations meant to implement this, and so we have been at stalemate on the labeling issue for years now. Approximately 12% of the sur-face area can be used for crop production and high-potential arable land comprises only 22% of total arable land with about . Glyphosate is a carcinogen, which means that it is capable of causing cancer. Found in tofu, vegetarian products, soybean oil, soy flour, and numerous other products, soy is … The application of the GMO Act allows South Africa to conduct a science-based case-by-case assessment of the potential risks that may arise from the use of a particular GMO. But when the rest of Africa started to get cold feet about using the technology, especially after a resurgence of activism against GMOs, South Africa and Sudan had a decision to make. Soybean, maize and cotton – gmo.geneticliteracyproject.org Other countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Mali, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Ghana have since allowed the importation of genetically modified food. Some US companies started voluntarily disclosing that their food products are made using genetic engineering, yet they don’t specify exactly which ingredients are GMO. Although the concept of genetic engineering seems like a modern phenomenon, it has been around for thousands of years. Most of the foods in which you will find GM ingredients are processed. Beginning in 1998, South Africa is the major grower of GM crops, with Burkina Faso and Egypt starting in 2008. In addition, this enables the country to collect information on the impact and implications of deliberate release of a particular GMO. Essentially, GMO food is made to look better, last longer and always be available. Latham points out that GMO’s exist in order for crop suppliers to maintain intellectual property or patent rights over seeds and plant breeding in order to drive agriculture in the direction that benefits agribusinesses. In theory, the idea of a drought resistant plant, or a fruit that won’t turn brown is great, but what’s going on behind the scenes to create these results, and could they be harmful to your health? Some labels state “non-GMO” while others spell out “Made Without Genetically Modified Ingredients.” Some products limit their claim to only one particular “At-Risk” ingredient such as soy lecithin, listing it as “non-GMO.”. They also feature widespread food vending in the urban spaces. South Africa is unique in that it has allowed the country’s staple foods to be genetically modified. GMO foods must meet the same standards as traditional foods. Soy. The implications are serious for South Africa, as the European Union does not cultivate glyphosate-tolerant GM crops and only imports products that are used for animal feed and not human consumption, as is the case here. Today, South Africa is the world’s eighth largest producer of GMO crops. ), and is often referred to as “the father of genetics”. But the real debate about GMO’s is their use in food production. Glyphosate is a probable carcinogen, which means that it can cause cancer. They would use this technique to snip off the good genes of one plant, virus or bacteria and plug them into another to create a “better” or more desirable version. Since the 1980’s, GMOs have been used to improve the look, feel and taste of foods. In South Africa, numerous field trials have been approved for additional forms of GM maize, GM soya and GM cotton, as well as for GM sugar-cane, GM potato and GM cassava, amongst others. African Food Safety. The statistics for the 2011–12 maize production season illustrate the scale of GMO penetration in the country. Galloway is a miller who is passionately building … The ACB is deeply concerned by the news that the South African GMO authorities have permitted over 25,000 tons of … In 2006, Albert Straus, owner of the Straus Family, wanted to make sure the food he was producing was completely free of genetically modified foods. GMO food remains unlabeled in the US despite consumers wanting to know (and having the right to know) what they are eating and drinking. There are benefits to the use of GM crops. Farmer Angus, a popular farming blogger, has warned that the chemical cannot be destroyed by cooking. Local farmers are continuing to use toxic glyphosate-based products, and are farming crops that have been genetically modified and are therefore Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). As of 2015, 26 plant species have been genetically modified and approved for commercial release in at least one country. GM crops will increase the use of chemicals. GMOs in Africa. Before we witness the stabilization of economic growth in Europe and North America, Asia Pacific is estimated to bounce back progressively with countries such as China, India, South Korea and Japan witnessing more opportunities to recover from the losses sustained during COVID-19. Public debates on “GMO use in South Africa” therefore predominantly relates to GM crops or GM foods. Some US companies started voluntarily disclosing that their food products are made using genetic engineering, yet they don’t specify exactly which ingredients are GMO. In South Africa, numerous field trials have been approved for additional forms of GM maize, GM soya and GM cotton, as well as for GM sugar-cane, GM potato and GM cassava, amongst others. They have been used to extend shelf-life, make crops resistant to certain pests and ensure high yields, despite drought or floods. The application of the GMO Act allows South Africa to conduct a science-based case-by-case assessment of the potential risks that may arise from the use of a particular GMO. Corn Crisps/chips, Polenta, thickeners, sweet corn, cornflakes, breakfast cereals baby cereals, sausages, maize meal, Eat products that are produced with Organic / Heirloom corn or eat Organic corn on the cob. South Africa is prominent on the list as one of the most developed countries on the continent. 12K likes. Pests have been a big problem in South Africa for decades, and GM crops, when first introduced, were seen by many as a new and much-needed solution to the problem. Until 2008 South Africa was the only cultivator of GM maize, cotton and soybeans on the continent. Even though you may not realize it, you’re probably eating GMOs. While many people have concerns about the food they consume being derive… “The Health Department does not have a position on GMO as there is broad scientific consensus that genetically engineered crops currently on the market are safe to eat. The three crops are maize, cotton and soya. Read all labels carefully. However, Biowatch South Africa, an organisation interested in food security and biosafety in the country, reports that field trials have been carried out on genetically modified potatoes, wheat, canola, sugarcane, apple, eucalyptus, strawberry, sugar … But the food industry disputes the interpretation of the regulations meant to implement this, and so we have been at stalemate on the labeling issue for years now. GMOs in South Africa Series What foods are genetically modified in South Africa? The Bulk of all Products & Brands on Supermarket Shelves in South Africa are Owned by Just 3 Monopolies: Tiger Brands, Pioneer & Premier. mielie meal, breakfast cereals containing maize, corn chips. Officially, 80% of South African maize products contain GMOs. Aspartame. The research around the safety of GMOs is, to date, inconclusive. So what? Baby Foods; Snacks, Cereal . GMO foods are designed to be healthier and cheaper to produce, but genetic modification is not without consequences. According to Dr Kobus Laubscher, CEO of Grain SA, this is an important development for sustainable food production in South Africa. This implies that the majority of the market will bear the costs of maintaining a … Up to 90% of soybeans in the market have been genetically modified to be naturally resistant to an herbicide called, Round Up. While there have been several health issues raised, the 4 main concerns related to GMOs are: GMO crops are designed to withstand weed killers and herbicides that contain the active ingredient glyphosate, a product that kills all plants that are not genetically modified. The kitchen is the heart of every home and we, at Faithful to Nature, are committed to the ethical sourcing of natural, organic foods to maintain good health, feel great, and have energy throughout the day.. Only the best healthy food for your pantry high in vitamins, minerals, and free from nasties like artificial additives and preservatives will pass our strict ingredient requirements. Genetically Modified Crops in Africa: Economic and Policy Lessons from Countries South of the Sahara investigates how this tool might be effectively used by evaluating the benefits, costs, and risks for African countries of adopting GM crops. 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