The second session of the National People's Political Consultative Conference held its second press conference today, where several CPPCC members addressed questions from domestic and international journalists on topics such as "promoting scientific development." Among the key issues discussed was the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods. Chen Xiwen, deputy head of the Central Rural Work Leading Group, emphasized that the safety of GM food should be evaluated through practical experience. To date, there have been no reported cases of health issues linked to the consumption of GM agricultural products.
Chen highlighted that China has been importing genetically modified agricultural products for several years, with cotton being the primary GM crop cultivated domestically. However, most of the GM imports are not for direct human consumption but rather for industrial and agricultural use. The majority of these imports consist of soybeans, which are primarily used for oil extraction and animal feed.
In 2023, China imported approximately 58.38 million tons of soybeans, mostly genetically modified, sourced mainly from the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. These soybeans serve two main purposes: first, they are processed into soybean oil, which is widely used in cooking and blended oils. Second, the byproduct after oil extraction—soybean meal—is a crucial source of plant-based protein in aquaculture and livestock feed.
When addressing public concerns about GM organisms, Chen noted that the topic remains highly debated within the academic community. He acknowledged that the public’s cautious attitude is reasonable, as no conclusive evidence has yet proven GM foods to be either completely safe or entirely unsafe. Therefore, he stressed that long-term practical experience and scientific research are essential in determining their safety.
"Up to now, I haven't heard of any cases where people have suffered health problems due to consuming GM agricultural products," Chen said, reinforcing his stance that no such incidents have occurred so far.
Looking ahead, Chen pointed out that China’s domestic soybean production is around 13 to 14 million tons, while the country’s demand exceeds 70 million tons annually. As a result, soybean imports will continue to be necessary in the future. Similarly, the importation of other genetically modified agricultural products is expected to increase as well.
He concluded by emphasizing that the decision to import GM products is based on both economic needs and scientific assessments, and that China will continue to monitor and regulate the safety of these products carefully.
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