VILNIUS - The number of genetically modified products is on the rise in Lithuania as tests carried out by the National Veterinary Laboratory in the first half of 2004 revealed genetically modified organisms in 14 out of 37 samples examined, the Lietuvos Rytas daily reported on Aug. 12.
"The number of genetically modified products is rather significant in statistical terms. However, we need to examine more samples in order to get a better picture," said Vidmantas Paulauskas, deputy director of the National Veterinary Laboratory.
Several tests were carried out on behalf of private customers, while the remaining tests were conducted on inspection samples examined in a drive to ensure the proper level of national control.
GMO were detected in soy products, including soybean powder, cakes, flakes, unrefined oil and soy protein concentrates imported from the Czech Republic, China and Ukraine.
No GMO were detected in corn products.
The rate of GMO did not exceed the permitted level of 0.9 percent in the majority of products. However, tests on unrefined soybean oil of Ukrainian origin revealed 22.6 percent of GMO, which brought about the need to conduct additional testing.
An analysis of oil designated for fodder has revealed that the product ingredients included the GM soy variety, which is the only legalized one in the EU.
Pursuant to procedures currently in effect in the EU, genetically modified products legalized in the whole bloc may be delivered to the market of any EU member state. However, products that contain GMO must be labeled.
