Greenpeace Allegations on GM Rice: Does GM Rice Violate the Legal Right of Chinese Consumers?

One of the largest international NGOs in China, Greenpeace has slammed a lawsuit on Wal-Mart, for selling genetically modified (GM) rice in China. This environmental organization, Greenpeace has been active in China for some years now. The organization has been working to stop commercialization of transgenic food. However, for the first time, it has flexed its legal rights and taken a legal action, to stop commercial sale of GM rice in China. Greenpeace has alleged that Wal-Mart is posing a threat to the health of the Chinese consumers by selling GM rice, which is illegal in China. Consumption of such dangerous food can violate the legal right of the consumers too. In fact, China has banned the GM crops due to its potential health hazards and environmental harms. However, GM crops are being cultivated, sold and traded in China, due to their higher pest resistance.

Legal Right of Consumers: Greenpeace Says Wal-Mart is Selling GM Rice Illegally

Initially, Greenpeace reported that Wal-Mart stores in Wuhan and Changsha were selling banned GM rice. The reports were based on the third party inspection, were dealt by the Chinese Government in peaceful manner. However, this time around, the dispute may not be resolved so easily. 

The spokeswoman of Greenpeace, Wang Weikang, said that “the court in Shenzhen agreed to accept the case, if we could submit additional material. The missing part would be done within the next 10 days.” Further, she added that Wal-Mart should dispose GM rice and establish quality control system to avoid such incidents in future.

However, Wal-Mart has denied all charges. The public relations director, of the retail giant, Li Ling, has said that the suppliers have to submit official inspection results. Only qualified ones are permitted to sell their products in Wal-Mart. He also said that Wal-Mart has yet not received any notice by the court pertaining to the matter. Their official stand seems to be that no legal rights have been infringed.