Suspicion of traces of non-regulated rice, ship held in port of Rotterdam

1 September 2006

According to the Dutch daily NRC the European Commission has announced that a ship holding 20.000 tons of rice, coming from the US, is held at the Dutch harbour at Rotterdam. There are indications that the load may contain traces of a genetically modified rice variety that is not approved by either the US or the EU. Further investigations are under way. It probably concerns LL RIce 601. This type of rice was found earlier in batches intended for human consumption. The authorities in the US then declared there are no dangers for public health.
"Europe, where a lot of opposition against 'gene food' exists among citizens, knows strict procedures for admitting genetically modified foodstuffs", according to the article.

source: Dutch NRC daily August 31, 2006