[rachelb]

Got this in the latest OCA (Organic Consumers Association) newsletter:

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."
Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_2159.cfm

I think this is really scary and it certainly makes me mad!!

Rachel

[jamietwo]

Yes, this is scary. One of the reasons I buy organic is to avoid GE products. Of course, in this case, it sounds like organic rice was contaminated also? One of my frustrations in going gluten-free, was that so many things are not available in organic form (i.e. specialty flours and brown rice tortillas!).

[jccgf]

Interesting post. Thanks for posting~ I'll think twice when I'm buying rice.

Cara

[rachelb]

I don't think organic will save you from this. That's my biggest frustration with it. j

It's unclear what this means to jasmine rice (which is the majority of what we use when we eat rice itself). My biggest concern is for the rice flours which are such a staple for us GFers.

Rachel

[ConsiderThis]

I eat huge amounts of brown rice.

Is brown rice affected, too? Do you know?

Darn it. Imagine how much insecticide they are using... I'm getting a headache (literally) just thinking about it.

I'm going outside!

[NancyM]

Originally Posted by ConsiderThis

I eat huge amounts of brown rice.

Is brown rice affected, too? Do you know?

Darn it. Imagine how much insecticide they are using... I'm getting a headache (literally) just thinking about it.

I'm going outside!

Isn't brown rice just rice without the bran removed?

[ConsiderThis]

Originally Posted by NancyM

Isn't brown rice just rice without the bran removed?

That's what I was always told, but it seems different...

I don't know. What do you think?

[KimS]

Thanks for the heads up Rachel!!

Thankfully I've just finished loading up my pantry with East Indian rice. Phew!

[Leslieand]

Bayer is now asking USDA to grant retroactive market approval of the illegal rice, even though the company gave up plans to market LL601 in 2001 and it remains untested.

LL601 is one of several 'LibertyLink' (LL) rice varieties that have been genetically engineered by Bayer to survive application of Bayer's proprietary Liberty© herbicide. Liberty kills normal rice, but can be applied directly to LL varieties to kill surrounding weeds. This explains why Bayer had to obtain government approval to permit residues of the weedkiller on rice grains of its two approved versions of LibertyLink rice.

"Contrary to what you hear from the biotech industry, genetically engineered crops like LibertyLink rice mean more chemicals in our food, not less," said Freese.

Food for thought
Leslie

[rachelb]

Originally Posted by Leslieand

Food for thought
Leslie

That makes me nauseous! AND MAD!!! Why on God's green earth does ANYONE think that's a good idea????????????? I think we need to FLOOD the USDA with emails!!

Rachel