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Inspections have not revealed foodstuffs containing unauthorised genetic modifications

02/07/2011
 
In the previous year, the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA) carried out an extensive inspection focused on detection of genetic modifications in foodstuffs offered on the Czech market. The use of genetically modified raw materials is possible in the European Union, however, only a modification approved by the European Commission could be the case.
In total 150 samples of foodstuffs (raw materials) taken both in retail and also at producers were tested. The aim of the analyses was to detect whether the samples contain unauthorised genetic modifications and whether the foodstuffs containing genetically modified soya or maize are labelled in accordance with applicable legislation. In case that foodstuffs contain a material with a genetically modified organism (GMO) or it is produced thereof, this fact shall be indicated on the consumers’ labelling. At the present time, 35 genetic modifications of various farming products are approved in the European Union for food purposes. Maize and soya belong to the most frequently used ones.
From this reason, inspectors were intentionally focused in particular on foodstuffs containing soya, maize and also on rice, at which genetic modification is not permitted. However, cases of unauthorised genetic modifications RICE LL 601 in rice originating in the USA and unauthorised modifications Bt 63 in rice originating in China were found out in the EU in the past.

Laboratory analyses have not revealed foodstuffs (raw materials) containing unauthorised genetic modification or an authorised genetically modified material that would not be indicated on the labelling. CAFIA will continue in similarly focused inspections.


Author: Mgr. Petra Hoferková - Communication Unit (CI CAFIA)