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Genetically
Engineered Material in Rice
A
Statement from Westmill Foods:
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The US
Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced some days ago that traces
of genetically engineered (GE) rice have been found in samples of
commercial Long Grain Rice grown and sold within the United States.
It is therefore possible that long grain rice imported from the USA
may contain traces of GE rice ( known as LL 601). Westmill Foods
imports Long Grain and Easy Cook Rice from the United States, which
is then milled and packed under the Tolly Boy brand.
As a
responsible supplier we are keen to take all proportionate measures
to ensure that our products continue to meet with our customers
requirements. We would, however, like to take this opportunity to
re-iterate two key facts: |
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1. The gene in
the GM rice crop is well known to scientists and regulators alike, as
various crops containing this gene have been approved for food use
(eg. Maize, soya & rapeseed).
2. This
bio-engineered rice variety poses 'no food or feed safety concerns
according to the UK Food Standards Authority ( announcement made on
Friday September 1st ), who we have been in constant contact since
the USDA made their announcement.
Westmill Foods
have already implemented measures which will ensure that all
consignments of American Long Grain Rice, under our management
control, will be tested for the presence of LL RICE 601, before being
released to customers. All consignments now arriving in the EU, found
to have contamination are being isolated and returned. All supplies
of Tolly Boy Long Grain and Tolly Boy Easy Cook Rice will be of the
highest standard.
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