In 2002, the Zambian government refused a U.S. shipment of genetically modified (GM) corn. Briefly ...

The United States offered the corn as food aid meant to relieve starvation during a drought in late 2002. For health, environmental, and economic reasons the corn was refused. The Zambian government was worried that its farmers would plant some of the GM corn seed meant to be eaten. They were worried that the GM corn would establish itself in Zambia. Because health effects were uncertain and because African economies depend on exporting food to Europe, which has put severe restrictions on GM food, the government did not want to risk acceptance.