A banned, genetically modified variety of maize has been found contaminating crops across Germany.

Trace-level contamination was found in a number of states, according to Greenpeace, which describes this as “the largest GMO seed scandal in Germany”.

Exactly what has happened is not yet clear. Spiegel reports that unspecified illegal maize has been found in five states. Zeit says seven states are contaminated with MON 810 maize. The BBC says the seven states have been seen plantings of NK603 maize.

Whatever the exact details, the findings are sure to again trigger debate in GM-sensitive Europe.

While most politicians appear to be keeping quiet on the subject at the moment, the Bavarian environment minister’s spokesperson cut to the chase: “Bavaria has a clear position – the plants will have to be destroyed,” they said (Süddeutsche Zeitung).