According to Greenpeace, up to one fifth of US long grain rice is contaminated with an illegal genetically modified strain. Rice farmers in Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and California have sued Bayer CropScience over the contamination, which they allege will hurt their business. Indeed, Japan and the European Union have placed restrictions on importing US rice, and consequently prices have dropped dramatically.

Sushi - Image by Monika Leon

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) seems not to mind. Instead of investigating the incident and recalling the produce, here is how they are taking care of the issue, according to the Organic Consumers Association:

USDA SAYS SHUT UP AND EAT YOUR FRANKENRICE The USDA has finally reacted to the contamination of the U.S. rice supply by an unapproved, genetically engineered variety of rice created by the Bayer Corporation. Three weeks ago, it was discovered that Bayer's mutant rice, gene-spliced to survive heavy doses of a powerful herbicide called glufosinate, had contaminated U.S. long grain rice stocks. The USDA admitted it had "no idea" how extensive the contamination was. Meanwhile Japan has banned all U.S. rice imports, while the EU is rejecting U.S. imports that test positive for contamination. The rice industry has been in a state of upheaval, with rumors of a massive market recall spreading across the country. This week, the USDA announced its plan of action: instead of recalling this illegal, and potentially unsafe rice, it is working with Bayer to fast-track the approval process. "Illegal, potentially hazardous rice in grain bins, on supermarket shelves, in cereal, beer, baby foods, and all rice products. It should be a no-brainer. Recall this stuff to make sure no one eats it," said Joseph Mendelson, Legal Director of the Center for Food Safety. "Instead, USDA plans to rush through 'market approval' of a genetically engineered rice that Bayer itself decided was unfit for commerce. Why? To free Bayer from liability."

Could the agreements between health authorities and big food to promote GM technology in agriculture, be so strong - notwithstanding appeasing public pronouncements - that any action against even blatantly illegal contamination with unapproved and untested varieties is becoming impossible?

Well, looking towards the UK, where much of the contaminated rice is on sale, would confirm that hypothesis. The Independent has two articles which detail the UK authorities' reactions or rather their inaction in view of the contamination issue:

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GM: The cover-up

Revealed: Government food watchdog gave green light to supermarkets to sell 'illegal' genetically modified rice

(see original here)

Britain's official food safety watchdog has privately told supermarkets that it will not stop them selling an illegal GM rice to the public.