Illegal genetically engineered Chinese rice discovered in Europe

Greenpeace offices and Friends of the Earth in the UK tested samples of rice products such as vermicelli, rice sticks and other processed foods. Five positive samples were found containing an illegal GE not approved anywhere in the world. However this could be the tip of the iceberg with rice products included in everything from baby food to yoghurt. (1)

“These findings are shocking and should trigger high-level responses”, said Jeremy Tager, GE rice campaigner, Greenpeace International. “Consumers should not be left swallowing experimental GE rice that is risky to their health.”

The illegal GE rice, genetically engineered to be resistant to insects, contains a protein or fused protein (Cry1Ac) that has reportedly induced allergic-like reactions in mice.¹ Three independent scientists with expertise in the field of GE and health have issued a statement backing the health concerns raised by Greenpeace International. (2)

Greenpeace International is calling for immediate worldwide recall, measures to ensure no further contaminated rice enters the EU and the urgent implementation of a preventative screening system for countries with high contamination risks. Demanding GE free certification for food from countries that grow and produce GE crops is reasonable, cost effective, and necessary to protect Europe’s consumers.

“We are calling on the Thai government to inspect all imported rice and rice products. Eventhough Thailand does not import large volumes of rice from China, a small grain of GMO rice can contaminate Thailand’s natural rice. We must avoid risks to human health and maintain the good standing of Thai rice exports around the world. Rice importers should demand for certificates and ensure that products coming to Thailand are not GMO contaminated,” said Varoonvarn Svangsopakul of Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

This recent rice contamination in China began with field trials; the rice is not currently approved for commercial growing because of mounting concerns over its safety. Yet an investigation by Greenpeace in 2005 showed that research institutes and seed companies in China had been illegally selling unapproved GE rice seeds to farmers. (3)

“Once GMO rice contaminates rice products, it will be difficult to recall and will cost a lot to take back. But if rice seeds get contaminated, it will be impossible to recall all of them. Thailand is not capable of dealing with contamination as demonstrated by the case of GMO papaya contamination. Thailand should use the precautionary principle by not importing and planting GMO rice, even in experimental plots,” Varoonvarn added.

Greenpeace campaigns for GE-free crop and food production that is grounded in the principles of sustainability, protection of biodiversity and providing all people to have access to safe and nutritious food. Genetic engineering is an unnecessary and unwanted technology that contaminates the environment, threatens biodiversity and poses unacceptable risks to health.