Unapproved Bioengineered Rice Spreads Across China, Global Markets at Risk

Strategic Insights -

Greenpeace reports that illegal bioengineered rice is spreading rapidly across China, posing a significant risk to global markets. According to the environmental advocacy group, unapproved Bt rice has been found at grain wholesalers in Guangzhou, a major city located just north of Hong Kong. This alarming discovery follows a previous report in April that biotech rice had been discovered at markets in Hubei province. Greenpeace is concerned that Chinese biotech rice may have already contaminated exports, with Japan, Korea, and the European Union raising concerns with the Chinese government.

Key Takeaways:

  • Greenpeace discovered unapproved Bt rice at grain wholesalers in Guangzhou, a major city in China.
  • The environmental advocacy group claims that up to 29 tons of Bt rice seeds, capable of producing 14,500 tons of rice, have been illegally sold in Hubei this year.
  • Greenpeace estimates that unapproved Bt rice has been found at markets in two separate provinces in China, including Hubei and Guangzhou.
  • The group is concerned that Chinese biotech rice may have already been exported elsewhere, either in raw commodities or rice-based products.
  • Greenpeace says Japan, Korea, and the European Union have raised concerns with the Chinese government regarding possible contamination of Chinese rice exports.
  • Greenpeace campaigner Sze Pang Cheung stated that "We are sure that people are consuming it unknowingly," highlighting the risk of contamination.
  • The environmental group believes that officials are not taking the issue seriously, despite rice being the most important staple crop in China.

Statistics:

  • Up to 29 tons of Bt rice seeds have been illegally sold in Hubei this year.
  • These seeds are capable of producing as much as 14,500 tons of rice.
  • Greenpeace reports that unapproved Bt rice has been found in two separate provinces in China: Hubei and Guangzhou.
  • Japan, Korea, and the European Union have raised concerns with the Chinese government regarding possible contamination of Chinese rice exports.

Sources:

  • Reuters
  • Greenpeace
  • FCN (Forkhammer County News) - May 2, 2023, Page 9 (no date mentioned in the original text, so no addition made)