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U.S. Transgenic Rice Enters German Market, Chinese Rice Has Been Tested
Last week, several media outlets in Bavaria reported on the presence of genetically modified (GM) rice that has been banned from being sold in German retail supermarkets. This issue has sparked concern among consumers and environmental groups, highlighting the ongoing debate around GM crops in Europe.
The European Union recently released the results of an inspection on imported long-grain rice. Out of five samples tested, all were found to contain GM rice, leading to a ban on their import. Following this, the European Rice Processing Association conducted genetic tests on 162 batches of long-grain rice imported from the United States. The findings revealed that 33 of these samples contained genetically modified rice. These products have reportedly already entered the market. The EU announced these results after a meeting of experts from its 25 member states.
German Greenpeace experts noted that GM rice was detected entering the EU as early as January of this year. In July, U.S. officials confirmed that LLRice601, a variety of rice, was likely genetically modified. Five days later, the EU decided to allow the import of long-grain rice from the U.S., provided that it could be proven not to be genetically modified. Suspected rice must undergo testing before being sold.
According to genetic expert Henning Schederhofer from the organization, Bayer had only experimented with one type of genetically modified rice in the U.S. between 1999 and 2001, but it was never widely cultivated due to low yields. The only explanation for how the GM rice spread across the U.S. is that it was accidentally mixed with non-GM rice during harvest and planting. This incident may mark the first legal case against Bayer in the U.S.
A Greenpeace survey in Germany found that rice branded “Bon-Ri†sold by ALDI Retail Group contained GM rice, specifically LLRice601 from the U.S. However, only 8 out of 35 ALDI stores are involved, mainly in the northern region. The German importer is Euryza Co., Ltd., which distributes Oryza and Reis-Fit brands. LLRice601 is officially listed as GM rice and is prohibited from import and sale in the EU.
German retailers responded differently to the situation. REWE Group stated they have taken immediate steps to test the rice they sell. EDEKA Group said they will test new rice products to check for GMOs, while emphasizing that their own-brand rice is grown in Europe and does not contain genetic modifications.
Friends of the Earth called on Bayer to cover the cost of inspections, estimated at around 200 euros per test. Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food, and Agriculture believes the importer should bear the responsibility.
In response to consumer concerns, a spokesperson from the German Consumer Protection Center explained:
1. Consumers cannot visually identify LLRice601 GM rice. Since Germany prohibits the sale and consumption of GM rice, there are no labeling requirements for such products.
2. Foods containing GM additives or organisms must be labeled. However, due to low consumer demand, such products are rare. Some processed ingredients like vitamins, spices, and animal products from GM-fed livestock are not labeled. To avoid indirect GM products, consumers might consider avoiding labels like "green food" or "non-genetic technology."
3. Current scientific assessments indicate that GM rice poses no health risks. However, the uncontrolled spread of GM rice carries economic risks for traders and retailers.
The European Commission emphasized that this issue is not limited to one country, as GM rice may be present in processed foods. China is currently testing rice imports, and Greenpeace claims to have found transgenic rice noodles in Germany and other EU countries.
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