By OLIVER SAMBOKO
GOVERNMENT decision to approve the importation of 5, 000 tonnes of refined edible oils for the next six months aimed at stabilising price of cooking oil has been received well by the Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA).
ZACA Executive Secretary, Juba Sakala, said in an interview that the importation was important as it would result in the reduction of prices of cooking oil which had soared in the recent months.
Mr Sakala, however, cautioned importers against the temptation of smuggling in of GMO oil which he said has negative effects on the consumer’s health.
He also urged the National Biosafety Authority to ensure that all oil imports were inspected thoroughly to avoid GMO oil being brought into the country illegally.
“The decision is welcome because it has come at the time when prices for edible oil are soaring so this will create competition and bring stability in the pricing of the commodity.
“But also our advice is that National Biosafety Authority should ensure that all oil imports are inspected thoroughly to avoid GMO oil being brought into the country illegally,” he said.
Government has announced the approval of importation of 5000 tonnes of refined edible oils for the next six months.
The approval follows the successful meeting between the Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce and various stakeholders among them the National Traders of Edible Oils Association, the Crushers of Local Cooking Oil, and The Zambia National Farmers Union.
And ZACA president, Sylvester Kaluwe, commended all stakeholders that took part in meetings and came up with recommendation to government to allow the importation of cooking oil in order to meet the current demand in the country.
