Laboratory tests conducted by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) on maize meal processed by members of the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) reveal that the detected levels of glyphosate—a chemical linked to cancer—are too low to pose any health risks.
The testing followed allegations made earlier this year by activist Rutendo Matinyarare, who accused millers of selling maize meal containing harmful glyphosate. The matter escalated to court, with GMAZ suing Matinyarare for spreading what they called false and damaging claims.
SAZ Assures Consumers: No Harmful Levels Detected
Addressing journalists during a media briefing on Monday, Danmore Mabamber, SAZ’s Director of Technical Services, confirmed that six maize meal samples were tested, including products such as Ngwerewere Super Refined Meal, Rod Seal Super Roller Meal, Sunrise Super Roller Meal, Mega Roller Meal, Pearlenta, and Chibataura Roller Meal.
“In all the analyzed samples, glyphosate levels were below 0.5 parts per million (ppm), which is the detection limit for the testing method used,” Mabamber said.
“This confirms that the glyphosate levels are well below the maximum residue limits, meaning the mealie meal products are safe for consumption.”
GMAZ Responds
GMAZ Chairperson Tafadzwa Musarara welcomed the findings, emphasizing that their products meet safety standards.
“We have ensured that the products reaching consumers are safe, and we are pleased that SAZ has confirmed this,” Musarara said.
He added that since GMAZ began importing maize in October 2023, no harmful glyphosate content has been found in their internal lab tests.
“All millers source maize from the same silos supplying South African millers and exports to Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Namibia. No harmful glyphosate content has been reported in these countries.”
Musarara also hinted at further legal action:
“We’ve instructed our legal team to seek relief from the courts against those spreading false and malicious information about our brands.”
Activist Matinyarare Stands His Ground
Despite the SAZ findings, Rutendo Matinyarare maintains that his accusations were valid. Posting on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Matinyarare criticized GMAZ for taking him to court, accusing them of abusing the legal system.
“SAZ has now confirmed the presence of glyphosate in their food. Interestingly, they didn’t test for GMOs because they already know they’re selling them illegally,” Matinyarare wrote.
“Why sue me when I was right? This is an abuse of the legal system.”
He also expressed doubts about the accuracy of the tests, alleging they were not properly conducted.
In response to Matinyarare’s claims, Musarara encouraged the public to conduct their own tests:
“The public is free to take samples for independent testing to confirm the findings.”
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