Consignment of Chinese Rice Flour Rejected by the European Union

17-Jul-2026 01:36 PM

Brussels: The European Union has rejected a consignment of rice flour imported from China, citing the presence of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). A notification to this effect has been issued by the EU's "Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed." This development comes at a time when China has been rejecting certain consignments of Indian non-basmati rice on similar grounds—alleging the presence of GM rice traces.

It is a well-established fact that the production, import, trade, and use of GM rice do not take place in India; therefore, there is no basis for its presence in ordinary rice. The EU notification states that the Netherlands had imported hydrolyzed rice flour from China, but the consignment was rejected after the presence of GMOs was detected.

It is worth recalling that earlier this year, China had rejected several consignments of Indian non-basmati rice, citing the presence of GMOs. Although a Chinese agency based in India had cleared these consignments, Chinese customs officials refused to accept them. At the time, it was speculated that China intended to tarnish the reputation of Indian rice in the global market. However, this move by China ultimately had no impact.