Lima, Mar. 11 (ANDINA).- The National Defense Commission of the Peruvian Congress approved Wednesday afternoon a bill, promoted by the Nationalist Party, authorizing farmers to produce flour and flavorings from coca leaf.
The bill, passed by 8 votes against 3, faced strong opposition from congress members Martin Perez (UN), Luis Giampietri and Lourdes Mendoza del Solar (APRA).
Martin Perez warned the bill could increase coca production, leading to lower drug prices and increased consumption.
Meanwhile congresswoman Lourdes Mendoza said there is a study which proves that coca leaf flour has alkaloids which affect health.
The bill authorizes rural farmers to produce legal coca leaf flour and flavorings.
(END) DCR/GCJ/EEP