UAE | Health
GM foods will be labelled clearly in UAE market
modified (GM) foods meet rigorous standards before they are allowed into UAE markets, senior officials told Gulf News on Wednesday.
- By Samir SalamaAssociate Editor
- Published: 23:39 August 27, 2008
Abu Dhabi: Laboratories in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will ensure genetically modified (GM) foods meet rigorous standards before they are allowed into UAE markets, senior officials told Gulf News on Wednesday.
"All GM foods will undergo risk analysis and other tests to ensure they meet thorough standards. These foods will carry accurate labels that clearly show they are partially or totally processed from genetically engineered products," said Dr Samya Abdul Latif Hassan, standard specialist at the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority.
"Consumers in the country have a right to know whether or not the food they eat is genetically modified and it is up to them to decide what to eat, based on accurate information on the label of each product," Dr Hassan said.
Dr Hassan was speaking on the sidelines of a meeting of the GCC sub-committee for GM foods, held in Abu Dhabi.
GM foods contain "foreign" genes to make them resistant to pests and adverse weather conditions. They are not generally safe or unsafe, but may cause allergies in some people. It is like wheat, which may be harmful to someone who is allergic to it, while not to others, according to Dr Hassan.
What is unique about today's GM foods is that scientists can move across species barriers, so that in order to achieve results they can take genes from one crop or animal and place them in another.
By the end of this year, GCC countries could come up with a system regulating GM foods before they enter the markets, delegates suggested.
"Clear labeling of foods containing genetically modified material will help any worried consumers to avoid them," said Dr Dina H. Fakhrawi, assistant professor of nutritional sciences at Qatar University.
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