Environmentalists want state's GM secrets - SA

Mariette le Roux | Pretoria, South Africa

Environmental lobby group Biowatch sought a Pretoria High Court order on Monday compelling the government to divulge details of all genetically modified organisms (GMOs) brought into or manufactured in the country to date.

The body is seeking an order directing the state to make available a list of facts concerning each permit, approval and authorisation granted for all GMO imports, exports, field trials and general releases to date.

This includes, in each case, a description of the GMO, its purpose, the name and address of the permit applicant, the area where the GMO will be used, plans for its monitoring, emergency measures in case of an accident, and the relevant environmental impact studies.

It also seeks similar particulars of those applications still pending.

Biowatch lodged its court application after several failed attempts to get certain information.

http://www.mg.co.za/Content/l3.asp?ao=66809