The Washington Post is reporting that US commercial supplies of long-grain rice have been contaminated with a genetically engineered variety not approved for human consumption.

This could lead to backlash from consumers and even nations that are often quick to tie nanotechnology in with biotechnology setbacks.

In this case, however, even the Center for Science in the Public Interest says the genetically engineered rice is safe, so this is a bit like fearing your cereal has become contaminated with milk.

But there are other issues at work here besides safety. Anyone wishing to remain free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) should have the right to do so which, in the US at least, means not eating (almost anyway - you could buy 100% organic).

At the international level, several countries prohibit the importation of GMOs, and it will be interesting to see how they handle this. Will they ban rice imports or bend their restrictions?

Thanks to Rebecca Blood at rebecca's pocket for the heads up.