The EU discontinues compulsory GMO controls for rice imports from the USA

(December 27, 2007) Rice imports from the USA no longer must be tested for GM impurities before being unloaded in European harbours. EU Member States have approved a proposal by the EU Commission, thereby lifting a ban implemented by decision in October 2006.

Compulsory GMO analysis had been established in order to prevent the import to Europe of the unapproved genetically modified rice LL601. The rice type was suspected to have been introduced accidentally to a conventional rice strain during the process of seed production. In the summer of 2006, traces of LL601 first were found in rice products during control procedures in the USA. Later, traces also were found in Europe and yearly exports of rice from the USA to the EU were reduced from 280,000 to 50,000 tonnes. A representative of US rice producers expressed satisfaction with the new decision of the EU and stated that the reacquisition of the European market now may begin.

In October, the US Department of Agriculture published its conclusive report on the case of LL601. In numerous analyses of a variety of rice types, it had been demonstrated that exclusively one specific cultivar known as Cheniere had been contaminated with LL601 rice.

See also on GMO-Compass:

• USA: Official investigation of LL601 rice complete

Further information:

• Reuters: EU decision on GMO testing opens door for U.S. rice