market is free from GM content Dubai, May 23rd,2007 (WAM) -- Different varieties of rice availablein the local market are free from any genetically modified content, asurvey conducted by the Food and Environment Laboratory in the Dubai Central Laboratory has found that the.

During the survey, conducted for the first time in the country, specimenwere taken from the market to see whether there is any genetically modifiedcontent of Liberty Link Rice type available in them.

Amina Ahmed Mohammed, Head of Food and Environment Laboratory Section, said the step was taken to protect the health and safety of theconsumers.

"During the survey conducted by the lab specimen of 11 varieties of riceavailable in the local market were taken for test and it was found thatthe market is free of any genetically modified content in them," saidMohammed.

"The specimen were subjected to tests to find out whether there is anygenetically modified content of LL601 type in them," she said, addingthat this type is not approved even by the US Department of Agriculture.

She said Dubai Central Laboratory has a pioneering role in finding thevariety of genetically modified food items, which are prohibited to beused worldwide.

"The lab is equipped to provide specialised training courses to find outthese types of modifications," she said, adding that there is a possibilityof offering this service to the customers also.

Dr. Mazin Hameed Majeed Matloob, an expert in GM engineering and Bio-technology, who is working with the Food and Environment LaboratorySection, said the tests were conducted using a number of special diagnosesto find out the type of genetically modified content, which is approvedby the US Department of Agriculture.