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 products. The author believes that while there are valid concerns, it is essential to maintain an open and evidence-based discussion. Most people agree that clear labeling of GM products is necessary, as it empowers consumers to make informed choices.
Compared to traditional agricultural products, which often depend on natural conditions, GM foods offer significant advantages such as faster development cycles, lower production costs, and higher yields after commercialization. As a result, the GM industry continues to expand, gradually taking over space traditionally occupied by conventional agriculture. Many GM foods now appear on our tables without us even realizing it.
This reality has led to calls for greater transparency and participation. Yuan Longping, a renowned rice breeder, has repeatedly emphasized that it’s impossible to force people to eat GM food, nor can material incentives or high prices be used to encourage consumption. Instead, he has suggested that volunteers should participate in GM food trials, and he himself is willing to be the first to sign up for such experiments.
Since its inception, genetic modification technology has always faced opposition. The group of critics, often referred to as "anti-GM" activists, has grown stronger over time. Jiang Gaoming, a respected researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is one of the most vocal opponents. He argues that humans have adapted to natural foods over thousands of years, including crops and traditional Chinese medicines. If all these were genetically modified, it could significantly reduce food safety and potentially harm human immunity, leading to catastrophic consequences. Recently, he proposed three measures to address the safety concerns of GM foods: encouraging GM scientists to lead by example by consuming GM food long-term, disclosing the pros and cons of GM crops to the public, and objectively explaining both the benefits and risks of using GM products for human consumption.
In January 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 highlighted that GM products are often labeled as "devil food." He suggested that the term "transgenic" might have contributed to the negative perception. When asked if he personally eats GM food, he responded truthfully, saying "yes."
It seems that while some experts still rely on empirical reasoning, the general public remains skeptical. In recent years, the debate around genetic modification has moved from academic circles into the broader society. Under conditions of extreme information asymmetry, transgenic technology has been misunderstood or even demonized, reflecting deep-seated fears about the power of science and technology. The best way to bridge this gap is to openly discuss the advantages and disadvantages of genetic modification, 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 immature and carries uncertainties. Its true benefits and risks can only be understood through continuous research and testing, much like antibiotics or clenbuterol in the past. If GM foods are found to be harmful, they could become another "devil" released from Pandora's box—created by humans themselves.
It is too early to label GM as either a devil or an angel. The scientific community generally agrees that GM is a neutral technology. Whether it is safe or not depends on how it is regulated and applied. The key to ensuring biosecurity and human health lies in strengthening oversight while leveraging the potential benefits of GM technology.
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