Gene-altered rice from China found in EU

European consumers may be at risk from unauthorized genetically modified (GMO) rice grown in China after a biotech strain was found in products sold in three EU countries, two leading environment groups said. The Chinese rice, modified to resist certain insects, was detected in samples of rice stick noodles in France and Germany, and also in rice vermicelli in Britain, Greenpeace International said, citing the results of two rounds of laboratory tests. Its report, compiled with Friends of the Earth Europe (FoE), did not indicate the possible quantities involved but said the GMO rice had been identified in different product brands that were on sale at Asian specialty stores and Asian restaurants. Five samples out of 27 tested positive for the unauthorized rice strain, officials at the two groups said. The EU does not yet permit the sale, import or marketing of any biotech rice on the territory of its 25 member countries. The GMO rice, an experimental variety, contained a protein that might cause allergenic reactions in humans, they said. It was supposed to be used only in field trials, and not approved for commercial growing due to concerns over its safety.