has been discussed for years if the consumption of foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs), popularly known as GM, implies or not a health risk to consumers. But instead, what has never been discussed is the right of consumers to know whether the food they eat them and their families containing GMOs. This right to information of consumers has been enshrined in Article 37 of the Code and Consumer Protection, which states verbatim that "foods that include genetically modified components should indicate on their labels." This requirement takes effect 180 calendar days counted from the effective date of the code, that is, the April 2, 2011. Consequently, from that date to incorporate GM foods should specify on their labels.
However, the draft Regulation of Article 37 ° produced by the Multisectoral Working Group comprising representatives of Indecopi, the MEF, the PCM and the Ministry of Justice, they pretend to give food suppliers to incorporate GMOs in their products an additional period of 365 calendar days from the day following the entry into force of the Regulation for just enforce the provisions of the Consumer Code.
In this situation, Crisólogo Caceres, president of the Peruvian Association of Consumers and Users (Aspec), presented the study by Aspec, whereby, in at least 10 of the 13 food products tested, as the presence of GMOs. These products were purchased in major supermarkets and shops in the capital following a strict protocol in the presence of notaries public. Part of them was then sent, for examination, an internationally accredited laboratory as Control Andes, and a second batch is sent to the laboratory Cerper SA, which is certified by the Indecopi. Cáceres
explained that although the ten products tested positive regarding the presence of GMOs, none of the products tested could be seen on the label. "Research by Aspec confirms something that Peruvians knew all along: GM foods are on the shelves of markets and wineries and consumers buy them and take them into our homes to eat without knowing it. Nobody tells us, no one says anything, which involves a clear violation of our right to information, "he said.
Therefore, remarked that it is essential that the regulation of Article 37 of the Consumer Code is released as soon as possible and take effect immediately.
"Only then will stop this unfair situation for the consumer. As such, the inexplicable granting an additional period of one year to companies supposedly to "adapt" to the code, which regulated, are intended to give, not only arbitrary but also illegal, must comply with the law, " Cáceres he said. Transgenic
would be harmful to circulate freely in Peru are GM products, but the authorities do something, because there are no standards of biosecurity. Therefore, we have proposed a moratorium on the entry of these products, said Flora Luna, representing the Medical Association of Peru.
What is gravity? There would be scientific evidence that these products would be generating damage to human health. "Hundreds of independent studies have shown that animals" used in the studies-fed with GM products have shown serious damage to their livers, kidneys, and in case of males, damage their fertility. This would also be happening in humans, "he added. Download
here the list of GM products
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