Tunji Alausa, NAFDAC DG, NBMA DG have promised action on genetically modified foods.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has convened a meeting of relevant health agencies in response to recent public concerns regarding Genetically Modified (GM) foods.
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Dr. Alausa met with Director-General/CEO of National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr Agnes Yemisi Asagbara, and Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye on Monday.
There had been recent public concerns questioning the safety of genetically modified foods for consumption.
Responding to these concerns, the health minister emphasized the importance of consistent communication among government agencies to alleviate public fears.
He noted the need for a collaborative approach to address safety concerns related to GM foods, referencing extensive scientific evidence supporting their safety.
On her part, the NBMA CEO, Dr Agnes Yemisi Asagbara appreciated Dr. Alausa for the meeting and highlighted the historical collaboration between NBMA and NAFDAC, including a Memorandum of Understanding established in 2017.
Dr. Asagbara noted that no GM food permits are issued without NAFDAC’s involvement, calling for enhanced cooperative efforts to ensure food safety.
In response, the NAFDAC DG stated that her previous remarks on GM foods were misunderstood, emphasizing NAFDAC’s commitment to safety.
Prof. Adeyeye reaffirmed the agency’s rigorous safety standards, stating that no GM foods will be approved without thorough scientific safety assessments.
Both the NAFDAC and NBMA DGs added that, by working together, “We reaffirm our commitment to science, environmental protection and safeguarding the health of the nation.”
Meanwhile, the meeting resulted in six resolutions, including:
- Establishing a Technical Working Group (TWG) between NBMA and NAFDAC.
- Developing Terms of Reference for the TWG and setting up a secretariat.
- Referring applicants to NBMA prior to processing by NAFDAC.
- Continuing collaboration on risk assessment and GM food labeling.
- Enhancing capacity building and training exchanges.
- Joint efforts in IT and Global Listing initiatives.
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