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Anheuser-Busch using experimental genetically-engineered (GE) rice to brew

Budweiser

08 October 2007Print Send to a friend Budweiser beer made with genetically

engineered rice. True.

Enlarge ImageAmsterdam, International — Greenpeace today released the results

of analysis showing the presence of an untested experimental

genetically-engineered strain of rice at a mill in Arkansas, in the United

States, which is operated by Anheuser- Busch to brew its beer brand, Budweiser.

An independent laboratory, commissioned by Greenpeace, detected the presence of

GE rice (Bayer LL601) in three out of four samples taken at the mill. (1).

 

The experimental GE rice is one of three rice varieties that were first found in

2006 to have contaminated rice stocks in the US. Since then, GE contamination

has been found in approximately 30 per cent of US rice stocks. This has had a

massive negative impact on the US rice industry as foreign markets, where GE

rice has not been approved, have been closed to US rice.

 

“Anheuser-Busch must make a clear statement about the level of GE

contamination of the rice used to brew Budweiser in the US and spell out what

measures are in place to ensure this beer does not reach the company’s export

markets,†said Doreen Stabinsky, Greenpeace International GE Campaigner.

 

“US beer drinkers need Anheuser-Busch to explain why it is not preventing use

of this genetically-engineered rice in the US. If, as the company has informed

Greenpeace, all of the Budweiser exported from the US or manufactured outside of

the US is guaranteed GE free then Anheuser-Busch needs to state this publicly,

and explain the double standard,†said Stabinsky.

 

Greenpeace informed Anheuser-Busch of the test results prior to their release

and sought clear information from the company on the extent of contamination and

its global policy on the use of GE ingredients. Anheuser-Busch responded that

the rice is approved in the US and is not used in brewing Budweiser destined for

export. The full extent of the contamination remains unclear, however.

 

LL601 GE rice was retroactively granted approval by the US Dept of Agriculture

in an effort to reduce public concern and company liability despite 15,000

public objections. The European Food Safety Authority stated that there was

insufficient data to make a finding of safety. Greenpeace says that US consumers

have a right to know if this GE rice is used to make Budweiser. This GE rice is

not approved outside the US so the Budweiser brewed with it could not be sold

abroad.

 

Anheuser-Busch is the largest single rice buyer in the US, buying 6-10 per cent

of the annual US rice crop. Budweiser is one of only a few beers having rice as

an ingredient. The brand is found in around 60 countries through a mix of

exports and local brewing arrangements.

 

“We are asking Anheuser-Busch to make a global commitment to produce all of

its beer GE free. Anything less will leave a bad taste in the mouth of Budweiser

drinkers.†said Doreen Stabinsky of Greenpeace.