As the term "gene" gradually becomes a popular word, controversial genetically modified foods have also made their way to the people's dining tables. In recent years, the controversy over whether genetically modified foods pose a hazard to human health has intensified, attracting worldwide attention. What are genetically modified foods?
A gene is the most basic unit controlling biological traits, recording the genetic information for the reproduction and propagation of organisms. By modifying genes, some or all characteristics of an organism can be changed. Genetically modified foods are created by altering the genes of plants and animals to produce new varieties with new characteristics. For example, genes from cold-water fish can be used to help common plants like tomatoes and strawberries resist the cold; by inserting certain bacterial genes into corn and soybean plants, they can be better protected from pests. Foods produced from these genetically modified plants and animals are genetically modified foods. According to statistics, there are currently over 120 types of genetically modified crops worldwide. In the United States, there are more than 4,000 types of genetically modified foods, which have become common commodities in people's daily lives. China has 22 types of genetically modified crops and trees, with genetically modified cotton having entered large-scale commercial production. However, as of now, no genetically modified foods have been approved for sale in the country. Are genetically modified foods safe?
Genetically modified foods come out of the laboratory and are artificially created, so their safety is highly questioned. In the world, the United States is the country developing genetically modified technology the fastest, with over 60% of processed foods using genetically modified crops as raw materials. The American public has the highest level of acceptance of genetically modified foods, while consumers in Europe are the most vocal in protesting and resisting them. According to surveys, 66% of French people believe that genetically modified foods are harmful to human health, and in the UK, only 14% of people accept them.
From the current situation, there are indeed some unclear aspects of genetically modified products. For example, there are some questionable points regarding food safety. Although genetically modified foods have been on the market for over five years, with about 200 million people worldwide having consumed them, no food safety incidents have been reported; China imports a large amount of genetically modified soybeans, and it is estimated that about half of soybean salad oil contains genetically modified ingredients, yet no problems have occurred. It is reported that the appearance of genetically modified foods is not much different from natural foods, and their taste is similar to or perhaps better than natural foods. Due to the high yield of genetically modified organisms, their costs are relatively lower. It is reported that imported genetically modified products are 20% to 30% cheaper than similar domestic natural products. Some genetically modified foods have genes added to increase protein and vitamin content, which can supplement the human body with appropriate nutrients. In fact, we Chinese people have long enjoyed the fragrant rice cooked from hybrid rice, and hybrid rice is a plant that has had countless genes transferred at once, so it can also be considered a genetically modified plant. The insect-resistant and disease-resistant genes in genetically modified foods are not harmful to the human body. How to manage genetically modified foods?
The intense debate has not stopped genetically modified foods from reaching consumers. To adapt to this situation, China's "Measures for the Administration of Labeling of Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms" was also implemented last March.
Abroad, due to food safety concerns, many countries, especially the European Union, have strictly managed genetically modified foods. In April 1998, the EU suspended the approval of new genetically modified foods for its 15 member states. In 1999, the organization also passed a new bill requiring all genetically modified foods to have clear labels. Starting from September 2001, South Korea required all imported soybeans, corn, and foods containing genetically modified ingredients to be labeled as such and to come with a genetically modified testing certificate. Japan and the United States have also implemented similar policies. The purpose of "labeling" genetically modified foods is to allow consumers to make a clear choice whether to purchase them.
The Chinese government has taken a cautious approach to the marketing of genetically modified foods. In June 2001, China promulgated the "Regulations on the Safety Administration of Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms," and the "Measures for the Administration of Labeling of Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms" issued last March is one of the supporting regulations.
The agricultural genetically modified organisms included in the first batch of labeling management in China are: soybean seeds, soybeans, soybean powder, soybean oil, soybean meal, corn seeds, corn, corn oil, corn flour, rapeseed seeds, rapeseed oil, rapeseed meal, cotton seeds, fresh tomatoes, and tomato paste.
In accordance with the regulations, when purchasing genetically modified foods, consumers can ask the seller about the product's performance, texture, validity period, manufacturer, etc., and the seller has the obligation and responsibility to explain the situation to the consumer. The manufacturer, on the other hand, must clearly introduce the basic information of the product on its label. Relevant experts remind that if consumers consume genetically modified foods without labels, they can report it to health, industry and commerce departments. According to the requirements of the "Regulations on the Safety Administration of Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms," penalties will be imposed for violations of its provisions.
Food is the most basic condition for people's survival and cannot be taken lightly. Genetically modified foods appearing on the dining table are a result of technological advancement. However, due to their short time on the market, whether their safety is reliable remains to be tested by time.