The food industry is being asked to work with the European
Commission to implement testing measures for rice imports from
China to prevent unauthorised GM material entering the European
food system.
European member states have endorsed a draft EC decision to impose
compulsory tests on all US long grain rice imports in order to
prove the absence of illegal biotech strains.
The FSAI is to implement a ban on the import of certain US long
grain rice products unless certificates declaring them to be free
of unauthorised GM rice accompany them.
While acceptance of genetically modified ingredients remains
divided across the globe, recent field trials in China suggest GM
rice could reduce health problems and increase yields in the
burgeoning Chinese market.
China may become the first country in the world to operate the
commercial production of genetically modified rice, ushering in
cheaper and constant supplies for the popular food staple and
ingredient.
