With the advancement of transgenic technology and the increasing adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops, genetically modified agricultural products have become a common part of daily life. According to data from the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), 28 countries currently cultivate GM crops. Globally, approximately 81% of soybeans, 35% of corn, and 30% of rapeseed are genetically modified.
In China, seven types of genetically modified plants have been approved for biosafety certificates. These include the storage-resistant tomatoes and insect-resistant cotton in 1997, followed by color-changing petunias and disease-resistant peppers in 1999. The transgenic disease-resistant papaya received its annual safety certificate, while transgenic maize and phytase corn were approved in 2009.
According to Peng Yufa, deputy chairman of the Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms Committee and a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the main genetically modified crops currently grown in China are insect-resistant cotton, with a small amount of transgenic papaya also in use.
China has also approved import safety certificates for four major GM crops: cotton, soybeans, corn, and rapeseed. While genetically modified cotton is cultivated domestically, imported GM soybeans, corn, and rapeseed are mainly used as raw materials for processing.
Wang Xiaoyu, deputy secretary-general of the Heilongjiang Soybean Association, noted that over half of domestic oil and fat consumption comes from soybean oil, and 90% of that is derived from genetically modified soybeans.
Despite widespread use, concerns about the safety of GM foods persist. Since the commercialization of GM crops in 1996, the technology has sparked intense debate. Supporters argue that it helps conserve resources, protect the environment, and improve food quality, while critics raise concerns about food safety, ecological risks, and long-term health effects.
Biologist Lin Min and other members of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Genetically Modified Organisms Committee emphasize that transgenic technology represents a significant breakthrough in modern biotechnology. It enables precise genetic modification, leading to more efficient and controllable breeding processes.
Nobel laureate Richard Roberts stated that there is no evidence to suggest that GM foods are harmful to human health, adding that they allow for reduced water and pesticide use in agriculture.
However, some experts warn about potential ecological risks. Wang Fang, a biotechnology professor at Tianjin University of Science and Technology, highlighted the possibility of pests developing resistance to insect-resistant crops, potentially leading to "super pests." To mitigate this, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires farmers to plant non-GM crops near GM fields to provide a refuge for pests.
Zhu Xi, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Genetics and Development, emphasized that there is no scientific basis for claims that GM foods can alter human genetics. In the long term, GM foods have not shown any new or unexpected problems compared to conventional foods.
The World Health Organization’s 2007 document on GM foods concluded that currently available GM foods have passed risk assessments and do not pose a threat to human health.
Wang Junping, a researcher at the Ministry of Education’s key laboratory for food nutrition and safety, pointed out that the safety evaluation of GM foods is complex, unlike well-tested chemical substances such as melamine.
Consumers should have the right to know what they are eating. Experts stress that transparency is essential, and consumers must be informed about whether their food contains genetically modified ingredients.
Cheng Tongshun, a doctoral supervisor at Nankai University, emphasized that consumers have the right to information and choice, and that this right must be respected by producers and sellers alike.
Qiu Baochang, an expert advisor at the China Consumers Association, said that providing accurate product information is both a consumer right and a legal obligation for businesses.
Dr. Zhang Xiang of Nankai University stressed the importance of improving labeling systems for GM foods, ensuring full disclosure and respecting consumer choice.
Wang Junping added that China should learn from developed countries in managing GM foods and continue to refine its labeling policies.
The debate over GM foods remains highly polarized, with conflicting studies and opinions making it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions. Some recent arguments suggest that non-GM foods are just as safe as GM ones.
Attitudes toward GM foods vary globally, and the scientific community remains divided. However, for consumers, the most important issue is the right to know and choose what they eat. As the discussion continues, transparency and clear communication will remain vital.
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