China: Carrefour sells illegal genetically engineered rice - Greenpeace
AFX News Limited
http://www.forbes.com/finance/feeds/afx/2005/08/03/afx2169281.html

BEIJING (AFX) - Environmental group Greenpeace said it had found genetically engineered (GE) rice not approved for human consumption on sale at a Carrefour supermarket in central China

The rice was discovered at the French retailer's store in Wuhan city in Hubei province and Greenpeace demanded it be immediately withdrawn

Since April, Greenpeace China researchers have uncovered illegal GE rice being grown in Hubei, which has produced allergic reactions when tested on mice.

It warned that other retailers were also at risk unless the Chinese government recalls the rice, which produces an inbuilt pesticide, from the field and food chain.

'Carrefour must withdraw the contaminated rice to protect its consumers,' said Steven Ma, Greenpeace China campaigner

Carrefour officials in Wuhan were not immediately available for comment.

China is considering commercialization of GM rice, and officials have indicated a decision may be made this year.