…..Yes there are some cancer-causing substances in our products but in low quantities
The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) held a press conference on 14 October 2024 at the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries offices to address concerns about the safety of their membership products. GMAZ was speaking on behalf of all its clients who include Innscor.
The representative from Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) gave the opening statement saying that following a request from GMAZ they conducted tests on products that include Ngwerewere and Sunrise mealie meal and found negligible traces of the glyphosate chemical from herbicides used in the farming of grains.
GMAZ Chief Executive Officer Tafadzwa Musarara said that their products are harmless, despite containing glyphosate, a cancer-causing herbicide which they say is in negligible amounts. They insisted that the levels of glyphosate in their products are safe for human consumption.
However, when asked if they would take responsibility if their products were found to be harmful, GMAZ seemed to “blow hot and cold” according to human rights activist Abigale Mupambi. Mupambi, questioned whether GMAZ would be willing to compensate consumers if their products were found to be dangerous. GMAZ deflected the question saying they will only address the outcome of the tests done by SAZ on their behalf. On questions about chemical regulations in food, Musarara also dodged the question stating that such inquiries should be directed to the government as the regulator of chemicals in the country and that GMAZ is at the end of the system, they are not the farmers or government which controls what is acceptable in terms of chemicals. He further said since there is no government ban on the chemical in question, GMAZ will go on as it is.
Musarara also said GMAZ prioritizes protecting its members, the suppliers , and notes that there are no cases against suppliers in countries like Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa who source grains from the same source. In response to this Mupambi indicated that as GMAZ will defend and represent its members, human rights defenders like herself will not be deterred but keep defending and represent the ordinary citizens- consumers in seeking clarity on this crucial.It was a highly charged press conference with strong sentiments from the media as well as GMAZ panel !
It’s unfortunate though that inspite of all the frank discussions the press was left with more questions than answers.
GMAZ already has a case against Rutendo Matinyarare in the courts for allegations of spreading falsehoods against GMAZ members. Musarara said GMAZ will not hesitate to take legal action against those allegedly spreading false information about their products.
According to SAZ and GMAZ, the tests were conducted without public and consumer involvement, but GMAZ is willing to conduct further tests with consumer participation if the consumers can manage the 16 day wait and 24hour round the clock monitoring of the process to address their suspicions. GMAZ selected products from their member producers to undergo testing by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe. The tests aimed to manage public panic and dispel concerns about cancer-causing chemicals in their products.
Other journalists present expressed concerns about the presence of glyphosate in GMAZ products, despite the claimed harmless levels. The GMAZ press statement has left many unanswered questions, and the public awaits further clarification on the safety of their products.
