Sugar producers seek ban on GMO-laden products

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Citing the continuous sale of products containing genetically modified organisms, a group of sugar producers in Negros Occidental has urged the provincial government to ban the use of GMO in products like sodas.

In a letter to Gov. Alfredo Marañon, the Associacion de Agricultores de La Carlota Y Pontevedra Inc. cited the use of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) by beverage companies to sweeten their products.

Group chief Roberto Cuenca said the use of imported GMO-laden artificial sweetener has resulted in a drop in demand and price of local sugar.

The Sugar Alliance of the Philippines (SAP) urged the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to regulate the importation of HFCS in order to maintain the balance and rationalize the supply of sugar in the domestic market.

The SAP opposed the use of genetically modified HFCS by soda companies.

It urged SRA chief Ana Rosario Paner to protect the local sugar industry.

Cuenca urged authorities to implement a provincial ordinance prohibiting the entry of GMO-laden products in Negros Occidental.