DNA of an unknown origin has been detected in two soya bean products sold in Hong Kong, according to tests commissioned by Greenpeace. The DNA was found in Nestle's Pak Fook Beancurd Dessert and Fresh Soya Milk in tests carried out by Hong Kong DNA Chips Ltd, Greenpeace said. Unidentified DNA was found by the laboratory in the products which use genetically modified soya known as Roundup Ready invented by American biotech company Monsanto. Greenpeace fears the DNA might not have been tested and might harm consumers. Terence Lau Lok-ting, a spokesman for the laboratory said the segment was found in the DNA structure of the soya content of the product which was different from what Monsanto has registered in the United States. Mr Lau said a similar unknown DNA had been identified by scientists in Europe last year but it was the first discovery in food products in Hong Kong. Greenpeace campaigner Sze Pang-cheung said: 'The discovery of this unidentified DNA proves that the biotech industry's claim of how safe and how beneficial genetically engineered products are is totally unreliable and their risk assessment is unsound.' He demanded Nestle stop using genetically engineered ingredients in products and urged the Government to step up enactment of a labelling law for genetically modified food. Nestle Hong Kong Ltd could not be reached for comment yesterday. A spokesman for the Environment and Food Bureau said they were still studying the economic implications for the industry of a labelling law.
