ABSTRACT
In 2002 the U.S. sent signifi cant quantities of food aid, in the form of whole kernel maize, to southern Africa in response to the looming famine in the drought stricken region. It soon became apparent that the aid contained genetically modifi ed organisms (GMOs), though the recipients had not been notifi ed prior to the shipments being sent. Many southern African countries initially refused to accept the GM food aid, partly as a health precaution, and partly on the grounds that it could contaminate their own crops, thus hurting potential future exports to Europe. A number of the countries eventually accepted the food aid provided it was milled fi rst, but Zambia continued to refuse even the milled maize. The U.S. argued that it could not supply non-genetically modifi ed (GM) food aid, and it refused to pay for the milling. The U.S. then blamed Europe’s moratorium on imports of GM foods and seed for contributing to hunger in southern Africa.
