Finland carries out random testing for GM material each year. Last year’s samples were from soy and maize-containing foods and Chinese and American rice products.
The testers found unauthorized GM BT63 rice in one sample of rice vermicelli; the product was withdrawn, destroyed, and consumers were informed. A rapid alert notification was also issued.
The other product, a soy bean jelly, contained GM material in excess of 0.9 per cent, the level at which it has to be noted on the label by law. In this case, the importer was told to change the labelling, and control authorities were asked to look more closely at the importer’s controls.
The 2008 study also tested for GM in organic foods, in which no GM material is permitted. None was found in the samples analysed.