Genetically Modified Food: Security Remains a Major Controversy
The latest global report on genetically modified (GM) crops reveals that 59 countries or regions have approved over 2,000 applications for GM crops, with food items making up nearly half of these applications. This is significantly higher than those for feed and other uses. Genetically modified foods are now an unavoidable part of our daily lives.
Each year, an annual global report on GM crops is released. As the numbers continue to rise, Dr. Clive James once described GM technology as "the fastest adopted cultivation technology in modern history," and GM crops as "the most rapidly applied crop in the history of modern agriculture."
In the latest report, Clive James noted that so far, 59 countries or regions have approved 2,497 genetically modified applications, involving 319 transformants across 25 crops. Of these, 1,129 were approved for food, 813 for feed, and 555 for planting. The GM food projects account for almost half of all applications.
Transgenic technology involves using modern molecular techniques to transfer genes from one organism to another, altering the genetic material to improve traits such as nutritional value, quality, and resistance to pests or diseases. Foods processed for direct consumption or as raw materials are considered genetically modified foods.
The first genetically modified food appeared in the United States in the early 1990s — a type of long-lasting tomato originally developed in Britain but commercialized in the U.S. Since then, genetically modified foods have become widespread in the U.S. market. The FDA has identified numerous genetically modified varieties, making the U.S. the country with the most GM foods. Over 60% of processed foods contain GM components, with more than 90% of soybeans and over 50% of corn being genetically modified.
In the U.S., GM foods include not only transgenic plants like tomatoes, potatoes, and corn, but also genetically modified animals such as fish, cattle, and sheep. While their taste may be similar to conventional foods, they often possess unique traits such as pest resistance, virus resistance, herbicide tolerance, and improved quality.
China's first commercialized genetically modified food was disease-resistant tomatoes and sweet peppers. It also imports GM corn, soybeans, and rapeseed from the U.S. Corn is mainly used for feed, while soybeans and rapeseed are processed into edible oils.
When concerns about genetically modified rice arose in China, the U.S. approved six transgenic rice varieties, and Iran approved one. Canada and Mexico allowed the import of GM rice and permitted its consumption.
Despite the controversies, genetically modified foods have become increasingly difficult to avoid. The safety of transgenic foods remains a topic of debate, and this controversy is expected to persist for a long time.
Different countries around the world have varying attitudes toward GM foods. In North America, where GM technology has been widely used for years, public concerns are relatively lower compared to Europe and Asia. The U.S. and Canada do not require mandatory labeling of GM foods. The EU is more cautious but has approved some GM crops for food and feed use. In contrast, many Asian countries remain skeptical about genetically modified foods.
Wang Zhixing, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, believes that there is no scientific evidence showing harm from GM foods. He points out that over a decade of global use has not revealed any proven health or environmental risks.
However, critics argue that current research on GM food safety is short-term and cannot fully assess long-term effects. Chen Junshi, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, emphasizes that the safety evaluation of GM foods is based on science. So far, no evidence has shown any negative impact on human health.
Fan Yunliu, another academician, argues that transgenic technology is an extension of traditional breeding methods. He highlights that GM foods have been consumed by millions of people for over a decade, including infants, without any reported safety issues.
Environmental groups, however, express concerns about the potential ecological impacts of GM organisms. They fear that gene flow between GM and non-GM species could lead to genetic contamination.
Yang Xiaoguang, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, explains that after consumption, GM foods are broken down into small molecules in the digestive system, and no gene transfer to humans has been observed. Therefore, GM foods cannot alter human genetic makeup.
To address public concerns and ensure safety, strict market supervision is essential. Before being marketed, GM foods undergo rigorous safety evaluations, including long-term health effect studies. These tests exceed normal consumption levels, ensuring thorough safety assessments.
Zheng Zhemin, an academician of both academies, emphasizes the importance of a robust regulatory system. Only through strict procedures, inspections, and controls can public confidence be maintained. Zhao Wenjin, another academician, supports the development of agricultural biotechnology but stresses the need for caution, especially regarding food safety.
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