Yao Min
The recent introduction of a labeling rule for genetically modified (GM) foods in Hainan Province has once again sparked public concern about the safety and implications of GM technology. The author believes that while there are valid concerns, the core issue lies in ensuring the safety of GM products through proper legislation. Most people agree that clear labeling of GM products is essential, as it empowers consumers with the right to make informed choices.
Compared to traditional agricultural products, which often depend on natural conditions, GM foods offer significant advantages such as faster development, lower costs, and higher yields after commercialization. Because of these benefits, the GM industry has been steadily expanding, gradually encroaching on the space traditionally occupied by conventional agriculture. As a result, more GM foods are now appearing on our tables without us even realizing it.
This is why Yuan Longping, a renowned rice breeder, has repeatedly emphasized that “we cannot force people to eat GM food, nor can we provide material incentives or sell it at high prices. Instead, we should call for volunteers to participate in GM food trials.†He even offered to be the first to register for such an experiment, showing his confidence in the technology.
Since its inception, GM technology has always faced opposition. Over time, the anti-GM movement has gained momentum, with growing skepticism from various groups. Jiang Gaoming, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Botany, is one of the most vocal critics. With extensive knowledge in biology, he argues that humans have adapted to traditional foods over thousands of years, including crops and herbal medicines. If all of these were genetically modified, it could lead to serious risks, potentially compromising food safety and human immunity.
Recently, Jiang proposed three measures to address the safety concerns of GM foods. These include having GM experts publicly consume GM products over long periods, disclosing the pros and cons of genetically modified crops to the public, and objectively explaining both the benefits and potential risks of using them in human diets.
In January of this year, the author attended a media symposium on "Food Security and Agricultural Biotechnology" hosted by the Chinese Society of Agricultural Biotechnology. A well-known expert at the event pointed out that GM products are often labeled as “devil food†by some people. He suggested that the term “transgenic†might have contributed to the misunderstanding. When asked if he eats GM food, he responded, “Yes,†satisfying the reporter’s curiosity.
It seems that while some experts still rely on empirical evidence, the general public remains skeptical. In recent years, the debate around genetic modification has moved beyond academic circles and into the broader society. Under conditions of highly asymmetric information, GM technology has been mischaracterized or misunderstood, reflecting deep-seated fears toward scientific advancements.
To bridge this gap, it is crucial to openly disclose the benefits and risks of GM technology, ensuring that consumers have the right to know and choose. Moreover, as a relatively new biotechnology, GM has only been around for about 30 years. It is still evolving, and its long-term effects remain uncertain. Just like antibiotics and clenbuterol in the past, the true impact of GM on human health can only be determined through careful observation and research. If it proves harmful, GM foods could become another “devil†released from Pandora’s box.
At this stage, it is too early to label GM as either a devil or an angel. The scientific community largely agrees that GM is a neutral technology. Its safety or risk depends on how it is applied and regulated. The best approach is to harness its benefits while maintaining strict oversight to ensure biosecurity and human safety.
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