New York: Imported genetically-modified rice has been eaten by UK consumers because there are no offical tests for contamination, the Food Standards Agency has admitted.

Millions of families are believed to have been eating American long-grain rice tainted with GM genes for at least eight months.

Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons have all withdrawn some varieties of own-label rice.

The tainted rice will also have been used in many processed foods. The FSA said there has been no official testing to prevent GM contamination of food imports.

It relies on retailers to make sure products are GM-free.

The Government watchdog said it intends to hold talks with the European Commission to improve GM testing.

Authorities in America discovered GM contamination of long-grain rice in January but did not reveal the information until August.