LL Rice 601: Your questions answered
Thursday 5 October 2006
More information on the GM strain of rice.
What is LL Rice 601?
LL Rice 601 is a strain of long grain rice that has been genetically modified so that it is resistant to a herbicide. However, although similar strains of GM rice have been approved for the US market, no licence had been sought for this particular rice.
How did this GM rice become mixed up with GM-free rice?
An investigation is being held in the US to find out how the mix-up happened and how much GM rice got into the supply. As no GM rice varieties are grown commercially in the US, all US rice is assumed to be GM-free. UK companies who may have imported this rice from the US were not aware of the possible presence of this GM material.
Is my health at risk from this rice?
Experts at the European Food Safety Authority, who are responsible for assessing the safety of GM foods for authorisation in the European Union, have carried out an evaluation of this GM material. They have said there is insufficient information on which to complete a full risk assessment, which they would carry out for new GM foods. However, they concluded that, on the basis on current evidence, rice containing these trace levels of GM material is not likely to pose an immediate risk to health.
What is the Food Standards Agency doing about LL Rice 601?
The Agency is making sure that supplies of American long grain rice are tested and monitored for this GM rice. All imports of American long grain rice must be certified free of GM before they can enter the European Union.
How long will these measures stay in place?
Testing of imports will continue for six months, after which the situation will be reviewed.
What should I do if I have American long grain rice in my cupboard?
It is unlikely that these trace levels of GM material pose an imminent safety risk. You can use the rice as you would normally.
Is there any GM rice variety approved for sale in the EU?
Currently no GM rice is authorised in the EU for people or animals to eat.