DAILY NEWS Reporter
THE
Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and
Environment), Mr January Makamba, has called upon Environmental and
Research Inspectors to observe laws and regulations in the cause of
discharging their duties.
Presiding
over a closing ceremony of a two-day training for Environmental and
Research inspectors on the safe use of bio-technology on foodstuffs and
plants, the minister said those tasked on the work should use knowledge
acquired in the training to enhance the environmental protection drives.
He
said the role of the Environmental and Research Inspectors was vital in
the protection of the environment and human health in Tanzania.
“Let
me call upon everyone to ensure that everyone strives to be well
equipped in terms of knowledge and keep abreast of the changing
technology.
You must be on the look-out to get the right information that will help you discharge your duties steadily,” he further said.
He
said the public’s understanding about bio-technology was so limited,
especially on the side effects of genetically modified Organisms (GMO),
which change the plants and food chemistry.
Mr
Makamba said that the inspectors should also strive to educate the
public and those importing the GMOs on the side effects of the
substance.
He
advised them to have institutional knowledge in the whole value chain
process and provide guidance to the public professionally as they go
about safeguarding their foodstuffs and plants.
“We
have laws and regulations in place to guide you to undertake the
routine inspection, but you must make sure that all stakeholders are
mobilised and well informed, before applying the laws and regulations,”
said the minister.
He
said he was aware that most of the foodstuff products imported into the
country have certain percentages traces of GMOs, however, as a country
there are placed levels of the GMOs content that is considered safe for
use.
No comments :
Post a Comment