Genetically altered rice found safe, says us Agriculture Secretary

Washington, Aug 20 (UNI) Traces of a genetically engineered rice strain have been found in US supplies of commercial long-grain rice, but there is no danger to human health, food safety, or the environment, according to Secretary, US Department of Agriculture (USDA),Mike Johanns and other senior officials.

Addressing a press conference here last night, Johanns said that the company Bayer CropScience notified the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) that it had found small amounts of the genetically engineered (GE) rice strain called LLRICE 601 in commercial long-grain rice. The 601 strain is one of several products designed to resist certain types of herbicides.

Two similar rice strains have already been evaluated and approved for use in food but have not been commercialized. Although LLRICE 601 has not been through a similar approval process, both the US Food and Drug Administration and USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service(APHIS) have determined that the GE rice is safe for humans and the environment.

"The protein found in LLRICE 601 is approved for use in other products," Johanns said. "It has been repeatedly and thoroughly reviewed scientifically and used safely in food and feed, cultivation, import and breeding in the United States, as well as nearly a dozen other countries around the world." In a separate fact sheet, USDA pointed out that genetically engineered crops have long been developed for a variety of traits that benefit both farmer and consumers around the world.

"For example, GE crops can tolerate drought conditions and herbicides, resist insects and viruses, and provide enhanced quality and nutrition for consumers. GE crops are being developed by private companies, universities, and other researchers," according to the fact sheet.

Asked about countries that import US rice, Johanns said, "The best way to deal with trade issues is to deal very, very directly with your trading partners, and we are doing that. We are engaging them.

I have indicated to them that we will provide whatever information they need." The US produces more than 100 commercial varieties of rice valued at almost dollar 1.9 billion, according to USDA statistics. About half of all US production is exported, amounting to 12 per cent of world rice trade.

The United States currently ranks fourth in world rice exports behind Thailand, Vietnam, and China, although India has exported more rice than the US in some years.

UNI/XC AKJ VC1108