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**Reading Tip:** Whether it's traditional or genetically modified, any animal or plant-based food will be digested and excreted when consumed. Its own genetic material remains unaffected. For thousands of years, people have safely eaten animals like chickens, cattle, pigs, and sheep, as well as grains, vegetables, and fruits, without any risk of their genes being transferred into human DNA.
**Copywriting | Zhang Feng Zhu Pengcheng**
In October 2004, the “World Nobel Prize in Agriculture†was awarded to Chinese rice breeder Yuan Longping for his groundbreaking work on hybrid rice. Nine years later, in 2013, the World Food Prize was given to three pioneers who developed the world’s first transgenic plants in 1983. Over the next thirty years, they continued to advance and promote transgenic technology globally.
Genetically modified (GM) foods have become a hot topic worldwide, sparking intense debate about their environmental and health impacts. Public opinion is sharply divided: supporters argue that technological progress significantly improves our quality of life, while critics believe science has moved too fast without sufficient oversight. So, what exactly are genetically modified foods?
Genetically modified foods use advanced genetic engineering techniques to introduce one or more foreign genes into an organism. These genes are then expressed to produce specific proteins or polypeptides, altering the organism’s traits to meet human needs—whether for direct consumption or as raw materials for processing.
For many consumers, GM foods remain unfamiliar, leading to fear and uncertainty about their safety. Some critics argue that current research on genetic modification is not thorough enough, and scientists have not fully controlled the outcomes of genetic changes. This could potentially lead to harmful effects, such as the production of toxins or allergens.
A common concern is whether the DNA from GM foods can mix with human DNA. However, the amount of foreign DNA in GM plants is extremely low, and it is unlikely to survive digestion or enter human cells. The digestive system breaks down DNA into nucleotides, which are then used by the body for its own synthesis and cannot integrate into human DNA.
Genes are introduced into host cells through vectors and are expressed as functional proteins, such as those that resist drought or pests or increase yield. After consuming GM foods, both the DNA and proteins are broken down in the gut. Proteins become amino acids, absorbed by intestinal cells, while DNA is hydrolyzed into nucleotides and bases, which are not directly used by human cells. The body synthesizes its own nucleic acids through established pathways.
Whether traditional or genetically modified, all food is digested and excreted, and the original genetic material remains unchanged. For thousands of years, humans have safely consumed animals and plants without any gene transfer occurring.
The development of GM technology has spanned nearly two decades, driven by its immense potential. In 1983, the first genetically modified crop—a tobacco plant containing antibiotic-like antibodies—was cultivated. A decade later, the first market-ready GM food, a delayed-ripening tomato, was approved for sale in the U.S. in 1996.
Western countries initially avoided planting GM crops in the early 1990s, but by 1999, 40 million hectares were under cultivation. Global sales of GM seeds rose from $75 million in 1995 to $1.5 billion in 1998.
Although thousands of GM plants are grown worldwide, less than 1% of them are officially approved for commercial use. Governments maintain a cautious stance, considering not only technical aspects but also ecological and ethical concerns.
**European Doubts**
Public skepticism toward new food technologies has been high in Europe, especially after incidents like mad cow disease and the British BSE crisis. A survey showed that 79% of Britons opposed the trial of GM crops, influencing EU-wide marketing policies. Many governments have suspended approvals, and strict regulations govern the release of GMOs.
Opposition comes from various groups, including Greenpeace and farmer associations. Their main concerns include potential health risks, biological contamination, environmental impact, and unintended consequences of gene flow. Supporters counter that traditional farming also harms the environment and that GM crops can reduce pesticide use, benefiting biodiversity.
The debate over GM foods is ongoing. While some see it as a normal part of scientific progress, others remain skeptical. Conflicts of interest and trade issues further complicate the landscape. However, scientific advancement continues, and GM technology is here to stay.
**Active Caution in the U.S.**
In the U.S., GM crops like corn and soybeans are widely adopted, with 88% and 94% of crops respectively being genetically modified. Farmers favor GM crops for lower costs, increased resistance, and higher returns. Despite this, public acceptance varies, and labeling debates persist.
The U.S. government conducts rigorous safety evaluations, ensuring that GM foods meet strict standards. The FDA uses the "substantial equivalence" principle, treating GM foods similarly to non-GM ones if they are nutritionally and toxicologically comparable.
While 70% of supermarket foods contain GM ingredients, labeling laws vary by state. Some states require labels, while others do not. The FDA maintains that mandatory labeling could mislead consumers and may violate existing laws.
Despite controversies, the scientific community largely agrees on the safety of GM foods. Numerous studies have shown no harm from GM crops, and regulatory bodies continue to monitor and approve safe products.
**Lab Safety Evidence**
Over the past decade, extensive research has confirmed the safety of GM foods. A 2012 study claiming harm from GM maize was later retracted due to flawed methodology. Multiple long-term studies have found no adverse effects on animals or humans.
**Regulations**
China has implemented several regulations to manage the safety of agricultural GMOs, including the "Measures for the Safety Evaluation of Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms," the "Administrative Measures on the Safety Evaluation of Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms," and the "Measures for the Administration of the Import Safety of Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms." These rules ensure proper oversight and labeling of GM products.
**Link:**
- The Regulations on the Safety Management of Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms were implemented on May 9, 2001.
- The "Administrative Measures on the Safety Evaluation of Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms" took effect on March 20, 2002.
- The "Measures for the Administration of the Import Safety of Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms" was also implemented on March 20, 2002.
- The "Measures for the Administration of Agricultural Genetically Modified Organism Signs" provides a labeling system for key GM products such as soybean, corn, rapeseed, and cotton.
- The "Measures for Sanitary Management of Genetically Modified Foods" was issued on April 8, 2002.
- The "Measures for the Administration of Inspection and Quarantine of Entry and Exit Genetically Modified Products" was promulgated on June 12, 2004.