The genetically modified rice, LLRICE 601, that cropped up in in Arkansas poses no health risks, says State Agriculture Secretary Richard Bell. LLRICE 601 was genetically engineered by Bayer CropScience to be resistant to a herbicide. Although it has not received USDA approval for commercial distribution, it was discovered in Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.

But Bell said the reports labeling the rice as tainted, bad or contaminated were untrue. "There are no food safety or environmental issues at all...the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration of Washington have assured that they are both safe for food and there is no environmental impact."

It is still not known how LLRICE 601 got into bins of conventional commercial rice, but Bell said it could have been stolen or it got out by accident.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), like the LLRICE 601, are plants or animals whose genetic material has been altered via recombinant DNA technology. Recombinant DNA technology allows DNA molecules from different species to combine into one molecule.

Not everyone is a fan of GMOs. GMO crops and livestock have been nicknamed "Frankenfood" by its opponents because they are viewed as unnatural products of scientific meddling. Others say GMOs could produce unforeseen global side effects as a result of modified organisms proliferating in the wild. Many Western European countries and Japan have banned the entry of GMO products into their territories.