Genetically modified foods have sparked widespread public interest. However, many lists circulating online about GM foods are unreliable. Are the so-called "identification methods" for genetically modified crops accurate? Which genetically modified crops have been officially approved for production or import in China? To address these questions, reporters consulted the Ministry of Agriculture and experts in the field.
Currently, the genetically modified crops approved for import in China include soybeans, corn, and canola. According to Xie Jiajian, an associate researcher at the Plant Protection Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China has issued safety certificates for genetically modified crops such as cotton, rice, corn, and papaya. These approvals are based on applications from researchers and reviews by the Agricultural Genetically Modified Organism Safety Committee. The information is publicly available on the Ministry's official website, allowing anyone to check the status of each crop.
However, obtaining a safety certificate does not mean immediate commercialization. Under the Seed Law of the People’s Republic of China, genetically modified crops must also obtain production and business licenses before they can be cultivated commercially. As of now, genetically modified rice and corn have not yet met these requirements and remain non-commercial. The only GM crops currently grown commercially in China are cotton and papaya.
In addition, several genetically modified crops are approved for use as raw materials in food processing, including soybeans, corn, canola, cotton, and sugar beets. These products must meet China’s strict safety standards before being used.
Regarding common misconceptions about GM foods, experts have clarified that many fruits and vegetables sold in the market are not genetically modified. For example, cherry tomatoes, small pumpkins, gherkins, and colorful peppers are often mistakenly labeled as GM. However, experts like Wang Zhixing from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences explain that these are natural variations or early-stage growth stages, not the result of genetic modification.
Wang Zhixing noted that small tomatoes, also known as cherry tomatoes, have existed for centuries and were originally ornamental plants. Their small size is due to natural genetic differences, not genetic engineering. Similarly, small pumpkins and gherkins are simply immature fruits that will grow larger if left to mature. Colorful peppers contain various anthocyanins, which naturally cause different hues, and this variation is not linked to genetic modification.
Other myths, such as the idea that genetically modified soybeans don’t germinate when soaked or that transgenic potatoes don’t turn black after peeling, have also been debunked. Experts emphasize that these characteristics are unrelated to genetic modification and are instead influenced by storage conditions and natural biochemical processes.
Furthermore, off-season vegetables are typically produced through greenhouse cultivation or transportation, not genetic modification. There is no evidence that GM technology can currently achieve seasonal food production.
Lastly, sweet corn gets its sweetness from natural gene mutations that prevent the conversion of sugar into starch. This trait is the result of traditional breeding, not genetic modification. Similarly, pest-resistant GM crops, like Bt cotton, target specific pests but still require pesticide use for broader control.
This article is based on reports from the People's Daily and aims to provide a clear, factual overview of genetically modified foods in China.
Energy Conservation Transformation For 300Mw Coupling
Engery Conservation Transformation For 300Mw Coupling
Vertical Turbine Pump,Boiler Feed Pumps,Feed Pump,Viscous Coupling Modification
Shenyang pump products sales co., LTD , https://www.syipsc.com