Stokholm, Sweden
February 15, 2007Source:
USDA/FAS GAIN report SW
7004
Report highlights
Swedish authorities have
found the unauthorized genetically modified LL Rice 601 in a
shipment of 600 tons of pre-packed U.S. long-grain rice. The
rice was imported in January 2007, after the EU
certification and testing requirements were imposed on U.S.
rice in September 2006. Small quantities of the rice
containing LL 601 had reached the retail stores before the
official testing. The rice has been recalled from the
stores.
LL 601 Rice Found in Sweden
On February 8, 2007, the
Swedish National Food Administration
(NFA) announced that traces of the unauthorized LL 601 rice had
been found in long-grain rice imported from the United States.
The rice, about 600 metric tons of pre-packed long-grain rice
intended for end consumers and HRI, was shipped from the United
States in 30 containers about seven weeks ago. It arrived in
Gothenburg in western Sweden near the end of January.
According to EU requirements,
local authorities in Gothenburg tested all 30 containers for LL
601 rice. Initial test results showed presence of LL 601 rice in
6 out of the first sixteen containers tested. Results from the
remaining tests are expected in a few days. The rice found free
of LL 601 rice will be released for sale while a sales ban has
been imposed on all other rice in the shipment.
Swedish authorities conducted
these tests despite the fact that the rice had been tested
negative for LL 601 twice before the official testing in Sweden.
It had been tested in the United States in order to get the
required certificate for rice exports to the EU. The rice had
also been tested negative for LL 601 by the Swedish importer
ICA. ICA’s tests cannot, however, detect traces of LL 601 below
0.1 percent. ICA is a leading retailer, as well as food
importer, in Sweden.
Rice Being Recalled from ICA
Stores
Although ICA had blocked this rice
for sale awaiting the official testing, small quantities of the
rice had already reached the retail stores. The rice has been
recalled and ICA has offered customers to return already
purchased rice. It states that the rice was recalled because it
is not legal in the EU and that there is no health risk involved
in consuming this rice. ICA is currently investigating why this
“blocked” rice reached the retail stores.
Swedish Importer Reluctant to
Continue Rice Imports from the United States
ICA is one of few importers in the
EU that is still taking in U.S. rice after the EU certification
and testing requirements were imposed on U.S. rice in September
2006. After these findings, however, it is doubtful if it will
be able to continue its imports of U.S. rice. |
