Expert: "We lag behind Asian and African countries with limited access to food and medicine"

Certain confectionery products imported from Iran to Azerbaijan have been found to contain GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

Under the "Food Safety" Law, the production, processing, and circulation of unregistered genetically modified feed products are prohibited. For registration, such products must not harm health and safety, and consumers should not be misled about their characteristics.

Previously, authorities revealed instances of expired, unhygienically produced, and mislabeled food products, both domestic and imported, even if they were free from GMOs. Additionally, complaints have highlighted that as prices rise in supermarkets, counterfeit versions of some high-quality domestic and foreign products, particularly oils, chocolates, and other sweets, are increasingly being sold.

According to the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency (AFSA), 422 food poisoning cases were registered in the first half of last year, compared to 1,128 cases in 2023 and 1,122 in 2022.

AFSA stated that measures to protect consumer rights and ensure the population's access to safe food products are ongoing. Imported food products are subjected to inspection and risk assessment-based testing.

The agency emphasized that Azerbaijan's legislation prohibits the import, production, and circulation of genetically modified plants, agricultural plant materials created through modern biotechnological and genetic engineering methods, or food products made from genetically modified plants unless used for scientific research, testing, or exhibitions. AFSA has implemented measures to enforce this ban, preventing the import of such products and taking firm action against violations.

AFSA reiterated that importing GMO food products into Azerbaijan is unacceptable and warned entrepreneurs in this sector. Attempts to import such products illegally will be strictly dealt with, and severe measures will be taken in accordance with the law.

Challenges in Food Safety Oversight

Eyyub Huseynov, Chairman of the Free Consumers Union, told  Radio  Azadlıq that the country's legislation only addresses food safety, not quality: "A product can be safe but still lack quality. There is no institution in the country responsible for monitoring food quality. This responsibility falls on the conscience of consumers and distributors. Only safety-related monitoring is conducted. Therefore, people must remain vigilant. It’s no coincidence that Azerbaijan ranks 115th out of 190 countries in the global longevity index, lagging behind Asian and African nations with limited access to food and medicine. Azerbaijani consumers often queue up in pharmacies, where the number of pharmacies is 20 times higher than in many other countries."

Huseynov also noted the presence of individuals lobbying for GMOs in Azerbaijan: "Regrettably, two years ago, when the 'Food Safety' Law was adopted, the country allowed the import of GMO-containing feed for birds and animals. Additionally, GMO products have been entering Azerbaijan for years from various countries, including Iran and Turkey."

Referring to products from Iran, Huseynov highlighted that their packaging often lacks information about ingredients and manufacturers in Azerbaijani: "This is a serious issue."