A temporary ban by Japan on imports of Canadian wheat is the latest lesson to grain exporters that biosecurity can be taken none too seriously.
The ban has come about because a few heads of wheat found on a roadside in Canada tested positive for traits of genetic modification (GM).
Once the results were proven and appropriate notifications made, Japan cancelled the importation of Canadian wheat until further notice, in spite of clear findings from scientists that GM wheat had not made it into the food chain.
The Edmonton Journal in Alberta last week reported that Korea followed Japan’s lead and also banned Canadian wheat imports.
It’s a real-world example of the impact a biosecurity scare can have on precious trade.
Read full, original article: Canada’s GM wheat lesson highlights biosecurity
