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.c The Associated Press

LUSAKA, Zambia (AP) - The Zambian government has rejected donations of genetically modified corn from the United States, even though a massive food shortage threatens nearly 2.3 million of its people with starvation.

``In light of uncertainties surrounding the likely consequences of consuming genetically modified food, (the) government has decided to take this precautionary principle on this matter,'' Zambian Information Minister Newstead Zimba announced on state television Friday night.

The United States has given repeated assurances that its genetically modified corn - altered to produce higher yields and protect against pests - is safe, and several food experts have urged Zambia to accept it.

But Zimba said the corn posed a long-term risk to the nation's food security, because there was a risk that it was toxic and would contaminate local seed. Nineteen countries require genetically modified grain to be labeled, and the European Union bans the sale of any new engineered products.

``In this regard all genetically modified foodstuff, including maize (corn) that is already in the country should not and will not be distributed,'' he said.

Aid agencies said Saturday they had yet to be officially informed of the government's decision, but warned it could add to widespread hunger.

``We have enough (food) for September, but after that I don't know,'' said Jo Woods, a spokeswoman for the U.N. World Food Program.

Earlier this week Washington offered to give Zambia 23,500 tons of genetically modified corn, and said if this was accepted, a further 28,000 tons would be donated.

Zimba said the government had arranged to import 300,000 tons of non-genetically modified corn, and this would be used to meet immediate food needs. A further 171,600 tons of corn would be purchased and placed in a strategic reserve, he said.

An estimated 12.8 million people in six southern African countries, including Zambia, face severe hunger this year, according to the World Food Program.


 
08/17/02 09:42 EDT
   

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