The European Union ordered special certifications for imports of rice from the United States to keep out genetically contaminated long-grain rice. Under the new rules, which are expected to be in place for at least six months, the United States will have to specifically certify that shipments of rice are free from a particular variety of rice. Last week, the United States government announced that long-grain rice samples had tested positive for trace amounts of a genetically modified strain not approved for consumption. Japan suspended imports of United States long-grain rice after the positive test. The 25-nation bloc said it still did not have enough information to assess the extent of the contamination but needed to take preventive measures.

The European Union ordered special certifications for imports of rice from the United States to keep out genetically contaminated long-grain rice. Under the new rules, which are expected to be in place for at least six months, the United States will have to specifically certify that shipments of rice are free from a particular variety of rice. Last week, the United States government announced that long-grain rice samples had tested positive for trace amounts of a genetically modified strain not approved for consumption. Japan suspended imports of United States long-grain rice after the positive test. The 25-nation bloc said it still did not have enough information to assess the extent of the contamination but needed to take preventive measures.