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APHIS investigating GM wheat in Washington

The USDA is investigating the discovery of genetically engineered wheat growing in an unplanted field in Washington State. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) says the glyphosate resistant wheat did not enter the food supply.

There are no GM (genetically modified) wheat varieties approved for commercial production. The USDA beefed up its oversight of GM wheat trials a few years ago when other discoveries of GM wheat were made. Developers have to apply to APHIS for a permit to do GM wheat trials to help ensure confinement of the genetically modified wheat.

U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers say U.S. Food and Drug Administration evaluations determined there’s no health risk associated with glyphosate resistant wheat. A joint statement from the organizations says they can’t speculate on market reaction, but they’re confident nothing has changed the ability of the U.S. to export wheat.

Wheat samples from the field are being tested at USDA labs in Kansas City and Pullman, Washington.