A regional coalition of farmers, consumers, and environment activists [in the Philippines] has called on the government to reject “foreign safety stamps” on the genetically-engineered “golden rice,” which might pose risk to public health.
The Stop Golden Rice Network asserted that such stamp of approval from other countries might be a ploy to exploit the nation’s weak regulations and policy loopholes on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in order to have the golden rice released in the Philippines.
In a statement, the coalition said the recent approval in foreign countries of the genetically-modified crop might soon lead to “start feeding trials among children and pregnant women in Philippines and Bangladesh.”
Health Canada posted its approval decision of GM Vitamin A enhanced “Golden Rice” last March 16, 2018 amid public concerns, according to the group.
The Network said the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) had also filed application for safety approval and trade clearance of golden rice last 2017 to the United States, Canada, and Australia.
But these decisions, according to the group, are questionable.
Read full, original post: Group warns PH vs ‘golden rice’: It’s not the solution to malnutrition