In light of the application by Monsanto South Africa (Pty) Ltd to proceed with the general release of a genetically modified multi-event maize product, MON 87460 x MON 89034 x NK603 for the entire region of South Africa, can the Minister confirm or deny that the approval of the trials was based solely on safety and efficacy reports provided by the company?
(1) Whether, in light of the application by a certain company (name furnished) to proceed with the general release of a genetically modified multi-event maize product for the entire region of South Africa (details furnished), the approval of the trials was based solely on safety and efficacy reports provided by the company; if not, can he provide the list of all the independent non-industry aligned studies taken into consideration in this process; if so, why were no independent studies conducted or reviewed in this regard;
(2) if the trials of both the specified company and independent studies were considered, what differentiates the outcome in South Africa from the findings made in the 39 countries where the specified products and their related herbicides are currently banned entirely;
(3) whether, in view of the fact that some of our agricultural produce is exported to various countries, including the countries where the specified products and related herbicides are currently banned, he has considered the ramifications if our agricultural produce for export to these countries is affected by cross-contamination? NW644E