Sri Lanka bans genetically modified food imports

Times of India online www.timesofindia.com
Saturday 14 April 2001

COLOMBO: The government has announced a ban on imports of all genetically
modified foods from May 1, a state-run newspaper reported on Friday.
The Daily News quoted Health Minister W.D.J Seneviratne as saying that
public health inspectors will check all foods entering the country at sea
ports and airports.

Sri Lanka, a country of 18.6 million people, imports a variety of foods,
including potatoes, orange juice, chocolates and soups. Apples from the
United States and Australia are also imported.

Under the new order, the government will ban the import, manufacture,
transport, storage, distribution and sale of any food item that has been
produced using genetic engineering technology.

Health ministry studies have shown that genetically modified chocolates,
oils and soups are marketed in Sri Lanka. (AP)

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