China must prove its rice to be GMO free

(13.02.08) Beginning on April 15, all imports of Chinese rice products into the European Union must be accompanied by a certificate to prove they are free from the unauthorised Bt 63 rice. This decision by the European Commission has found the support of Member States in the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health in Brussels. However, the Committee failed to agree on the authorisation of two genetically modified plants for import and processing.

Rice products from China containing the unauthorised genetically modified Bt 63 rice were discovered first in France, Germany and the UK in September 2006. Although Chinese authorities assured the EU of taking appropriate measures to avoid further illegal shipments, alerts concerning the presence of Bt 63 occurred until late 2007. Furthermore, Beijing was unable to provide control samples and a protocol of a detection method that qualitatively and quantitatively were appropriate for use by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the Commission for validation of control methods used by Chinese authorities.

In light of such short-comings, the emergency measures adopted yesterday demand obligatory tests by an official or accredited laboratory using a specific testing method. A wide range of rice products are addressed, including rice noodles. Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou said: "Under EU food safety legislation, only GMOs that have undergone a thorough scientific assessment and authorisation procedure may be put on the EU market." Member States are responsible for the execution of necessary controls. The measure is valid for six months and will be monitored by the Commission.

The Commission also presented to the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health two proposals concerning the genetically modified soybean A2704-12 and cotton LL25. Submitted by Bayer CropScience in 2004 and 2005 respectively, the proposals exclude cultivation and apply for the authorisation of the plants for import and for processing in food and feed. After assessing all safety concerns, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has given a positive opinion towards the market placement for both cases.

However, as has been the case repeatedly since 1998, Member States did not reach a sufficient majority to support or to decline the authorisation. Under EU law, the Commission now will forward the proposals to the Council. If the Ministers will not reach a position within three months, the Commission assumes the responsibility for a decision.

See also on GMO-Compass:

• GM crops: Rice

Further information:

• Press release by the European Commission on the certification for Chinese rice products