Whilst some countries are neutral on the issue of GMO's, Azerbaijan has expressed a strict position of non acceptance to GMO products. However, it is believed that there are still some GMO products on sale in Azerbaijan.
Chairman of the Free Consumers Union, Eyyub Huseynov said that not only are these products sold in Azerbaijan, but they are also grown there.
GMO products including watermelons, tomatoes, more than 50% of potatoes, 60% of beets, and 50% of corn are grown in the country. Moreover, genetically modified seeds were being imported from abroad, he stated.
There are only two laboratories available to test these products in the country, which is not enough to ensure compliance with the government's position.
“Some $60,000 is needed to create a laboratory to analyse the content of GMOs in a variety of products, including ready-made food, seeds, and raw materials. The cost of an analysis is estimated at $700.” Huseynov said. “Another part of the problem is training professionals in this field. The country has 15-16 specialists, who are aware of the problem, only in theory.”
In April, Azerbaijan decided to enforce criminal liability for the use of GMOs. Moreover, changes have been made to the requirements on packaging and labelling that will assure consumers of the lack of GMOs in food products.
Later in July, the State Committee for Standardization, Metrology, and Patents reported that no GMOs were found during a routine check.
Consumers have been warned about buying abnormally large fruits and vegetables.
