Japan's Ministry of Health and Welfare has found potato food products "from North America" that tested positive for genetically modified NewLeaf potatoes.
Jeffrey Smith of Genetic ID of the U.S. with a lab also in Japan, said that 25 samples were tested representing all types of processed potato products. Three came out positive.
"It's been an explosive news items in the media over there. There have been product recalls and many food companies are scared," Smith explained. "Coming right behind the StarLink corn deal, it is not a good situation for North American exporters," he added.
Smith says his company has been getting many calls from food companies anxious to know if Genetic ID can take tests before food products are exported. Japanese law calls for immediate recall of food where sampling has found genetic material, destruction of those products, and possible criminal prosecution.