How close is GM rice to us? A Greenpeace report on genetically modified rice, released online in April this year, cast doubt on the situation. The report, published between February and July 2012, tested rice, rice flour, baby food, and soy products from markets in Beijing, Hubei, Anhui, Guangdong, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Fujian, and Zhejiang—regions known for their agricultural output. A total of 76 samples were collected randomly and sent to independent labs for genetic modification testing.
The results revealed that nine samples tested positive for transgenic material, with six containing Bt63 transgenic rice. This means that 7.9% of the samples had illegal GM contamination. Notably, four rice samples from Wuhan, Hubei, and Lu’an, Anhui, were found to contain Bt63, a variety developed by Professor Zhang Huai from Huazhong Agricultural University. This rice was engineered to resist pests by introducing the Bt gene, which produces a protein that paralyzes insect larvae, reducing the need for pesticides and increasing yield.
Despite its scientific promise, Bt63 rice remains controversial. While it has been widely cultivated in Hubei, Anhui’s involvement raised questions about local farming practices. The discovery in Anhui sparked concern, especially since it was the first time such contamination was reported there. To understand the situation better, reporters visited Lu’an in Anhui, focusing on Shou County, where the contaminated rice was traced back to.
In March 2012, Greenpeace purchased three rice samples—Fengliangyou, Zhoushan, and another from a local village—and found them all positive for NOS and Bt63 markers. These samples came from Shou County, but only two of the three had clear origins. One was linked to Zhouzhai Rice Noodle Co., Ltd., a small company with limited online presence. Despite its size, the factory plays a significant role in the county's agriculture.
Shou County, with a primary industry contributing 3.84 billion yuan to its GDP, relies heavily on rice cultivation. With over 109,500 hectares dedicated to rice, it's the region's main economic crop. However, the local rice processing sector is fragmented, with many small-scale operations struggling to compete. Wu Kunshan, the owner of Zhouzhai Rice Factory, said his business has been operating at half capacity due to market saturation and low demand.
After the Greenpeace report surfaced, the local agriculture commission conducted an inspection of the factory. Samples were taken, sealed, and sent for testing. According to the official report, no GM components were detected. However, the timing of the tests matters: the Greenpeace samples were from early 2012, while the official test was conducted in April 2013. As one official explained, the older stock had already been sold, so the results were not directly comparable.
Despite the lack of GM findings in the latest test, the issue highlights ongoing concerns about GM rice in China. With large areas of farmland and limited oversight, the risk of contamination remains. For now, the story of GM rice in Anhui continues to unfold, raising important questions about regulation, transparency, and the future of food safety.
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