Banning GMOs was done without any supporting research

• GMOs have demonstrated a history of safe use as confirmed and re-affirmed by independent studies carried out by various credible bodies worldwide

The recent banning of GMOs in Kenya over safety concerns was done without proper research.

After two decades of wide use of GMOs, there is no scientific evidence of any risk to human, animal and environmental health.

The safety assessments for GM foods are more rigorous and stringent than for conventional foods.

Safety assessments are done in accordance with scientific principles developed by leading scientific organisations such as the World Health Organisation, the Codex Alimentarius Commission and OECD.

GMOs have demonstrated a history of safe use as confirmed and re-affirmed by independent studies carried out by various credible bodies worldwide.

In 2010, the European Commission Directorate-General for Research published a comprehensive report “A Decade of EU-funded GMO Research (2001-2010)”. The research inter alia covered environmental impact of GMOs, food and human safety.

The report, covering more than 130 projects over more than 25 years of research and involving more than 500 independent research groups, concluded that biotechnology, and in particular GMOs, are not per se more risky than conventional plant breeding technologies.

GMO technology fully integrates safety assessments in their conception, experimentation and development.

ALEX M. ODONGO, Nairobi