market is free from GM content
A survey conducted by the Food and Environment Laboratory in the Dubai Central Laboratory has found that the different varieties of rice available in the local market are free from any genetically modified content.
During the survey, conducted for the first time in the country, specimen were taken from the market to see whether there is any genetically modified content 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 the consumers.
"During the survey conducted by the lab specimen of 11 varieties of rice available in the local market were taken for test and it was found that the market is free of any genetically modified content in them," said Mohammed.
"The specimen were subjected to tests to find out whether there is any genetically modified content of LL601 type in them," she said, adding that this type is not approved even by the US Department of Agriculture.
She said Dubai Central Laboratory has a pioneering role in finding the variety of genetically modified food items, which are prohibited to be used worldwide.
"The lab is equipped to provide specialised training courses to find out these types of modifications," she said, adding that there is a possibility of 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 Laboratory Section said the tests were conducted using a number of special diagnoses to find out the type of genetically modified content, which is approved by the US Department of Agriculture.
-Ends-
Best Regards,
Ismail Meladi,
Journalist, Media Section,
Public Relations & Organizations Department,
Dubai Municipality,
Post Box No. 67,
Dubai,
UAE
Ph: 971-4-2064657 (O),
971-50-6341075 (M)
Email: ipparambil@dm.gov.ae
© Press Release 2007
