J'cans eating controversial foods

Patricia Watson, Staff Reporter

Jamaicans are eating foods altered by scientific methods without their knowledge, exposing themselves to possible illnesses, according to observers of the process.

At least one local organisation is expressing concern about the influx of genetically-modified (GM) foods into the country, claiming that Jamaica may be among several developing countries where GM foods are being tested.

"It is our opinion that in light of what is happening in other developing countries, genetically modified foods is being tested here," said Marva Hewitt, managing director of the International Food Hygiene Bureau.

Opponents of GM foods, which are derived from plants and animals whose genes are changed under laboratory conditions by scientists, are contending that GM foods could be dangerous to human health and the environment and are calling for a halt in the commercialising of these items. Some of the concerns include allergic reactions to some of the foods and reduction of their nutritional value.

By modifying the genes, scientists can alter the characteristics of an organism. For example, a plant can be modified to improve yield or make it resistant to diseases. Miss Hewitt said there are no regulations on GM foods, therefore they could be passing through Jamaica's ports undetected.

However, according to Dr. Arnoldo Ventura, advisor to the Prime Minister on science and technology, Jamaicans have been eating genetically modified foods for at least five years now without any problems. He explained that the flour Jamaicans have been eating for years is genetically modified and most of the other basic foods here are already genetically modified.

But Miss Hewitt said since the products are not labelled as GM foods, importers and exporters may unwittingly be introducing these foods into their produce.

It is estimated that more than 60 per cent of the foods in the United States have genetically modified ingredients. Genetically modified crops currently being sold or up for commercialisation include corn, soya bean, canola oil, potatoes, squash, tomatoes, rice, melons, carrots, onions, peppers, apples, papayas and cotton.

"Jamaica and its people need to be protected, our food is important as to who we are and they are likely to be genetically modified," Miss Hewitt said.

She explained that among the company's major concern at this time are vegetables and poultry.

"We are not anti-GM, (but) we just want to put the nation on alert and in the same position as other First World countries. People should be able to know what they are eating and if it will harm them," Miss Hewitt said.

President of the St. Elizabeth Environment Protection Agency, Anthony Freckleton agreed with Miss Hewitt.

"We have to be careful about the food that come into the country, only six per cent of imports are monitored," Mr. Freckleton said.

He said that the Government needs to put a moratorium on seeds and foodstuff coming into the country until more is known about GM foods.

However, Professor Mohammad Ahmad, director of the Biotechnology Centre at the University of the West Indies, said locals should be more concerned about the chemicals on much of the food being consumed in Jamaica.

He explained that in some cases chemicals that are banned in the U.S. are being used on foods in Jamaica, which may account for the increasing cases of cancer and allergies.

The International Food Hygiene Bureau is the regional arm of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health based in the United Kingdom. The organisation does training of food safety personnel as well as the testing of food for organisations.

It has planned its first food safety conference in July under the theme: "Genetically Modified Organisms, Friend or Foe".

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