Take Action to Oppose
USDA's Fast-Track Approval of Contaminating Rice

On August 18, 2006, the USDA announced that an unapproved genetically engineered variety of long grain rice has contaminated the food supply.

Japan announced that it would stop importing all U.S. long grain rice, South Korea demanded that there be no genetically engineered content in U.S. rice shipments, and the European Union announced that it will not permit unauthorized GE products to reach its citizens. According to EU Commission spokeswoman Antonia Mochan, "We are preparing measures... in order to ensure that unauthorized GE products do not reach European consumers."

In response to the contamination from Bayer CropScience's unapproved rice variety (LL601), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking fast-track, retroactive market approval to avoid food recalls and to minimize trade barriers. The fast-track approval is being sought even though Bayer CropScience scrapped plans to commercialize the offending genetically engineered variety years ago. Genetically engineered crops should undergo intensive testing prior to release to determine if hazards exist for human health or the environment.

TAKE ACTION BY OCTOBER 10th
Oppose Bayer's request to grant retroactive market approval of the illegal rice. Insist that contaminated rice supplies and subsequent rice-containing products be recalled. Genetically engineered foods should undergo meaningful review and testing prior to commercialization.

Read USDA's Notice: Bayer CropScience; Availability of an Environmental Assessment and a Preliminary Decision for an Extension of a Determination of Nonregulated Status for Rice Genetically Engineered for Glufosinate Herbicide Tolerance 56K

Comments can be submitted to the USDA-APHIS via the following methods

ONLINE at www.regulations.gov
In the lower box "Search Regulations and Federal Actions" select "Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service" from the agency drop-down menu, then click on "Submit." In the Docket ID column, select APHIS-2006-0140 to submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically. Information on using Regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the comment period, is available through the site's "User Tips" link.

POSTAL MAIL/ COMERCIAL DELIVERY
Please send four copies of your comment (an original and three copies) to:
Docket No. APHIS-2006-0140,
Regulatory Analysis and Development
PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700
River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD
20737-1238.