Agriculture officials in Hainan have been accused of trying to suppress evidence that genetically modified crops have been grown illegally on the southern island province.
Allegations that several companies and research institutions have carried out illegal GM corn and cotton trials in Hainan emerged on the Internet late last month. On Sunday, the provincial agricultural department confirmed that 15 crop samples taken around the cities of Sanyan, Lingshui and Ledong tested positive for genetic modification.
Nine samples have been destroyed and investigations are continuing into the six others. The department said checks took place between December 23 and 27. However, officials didn’t reveal the findings until accounts went viral on the Internet, leading to claims of an attempted cover-up.
Read the full, original article: Officials accused of GM crops cover-up
