March 15, 2000
There is yet no scientific proof that genetically modified food (GMF) is unsafe for human consumption and as such, the public need not be alarmed over the reported presence of GMF in the local market.
A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said this today (15 March) in response to media enquiries concerning the Consumer Council study which found, among other things, that genetically modified (GM) ingredients were present in three soy-based infant formulae.
Maintaining that the best infant food is mother's milk, the spokesman said: "In cases where soy-based infant formulae are prescribed on medical grounds, the benefit of taking soy-based infant formulae with GM ingredients far outweighs its theoretical risk."
"Parents may approach the nearest maternal and child health centre, or call 2961 8855 for information regarding infant feeding. They may also consult their family doctors."
Soy-based infant formulae are sometimes given to babies who have transient digestive problems or, rarely, when babies cannot tolerate cow's milk.