Genetically modified (GM) rice has long been a topic of heated debate. In 2009, 61 Chinese academicians signed a joint petition urging the government to move forward with the industrialization of GM rice. They pointed out that scientists have been consuming genetically modified rice for over 14 years without apparent harm. However, public skepticism remains high, with prominent figures like Bai Yansong and Cui Yongyuan leading the opposition. Many people still question the safety and long-term effects of genetic modification, even as experts claim it is safe.
In 2008, a U.S. magazine reported that golden rice, a genetically modified variety rich in vitamin A, was effective in improving children’s nutrition. The article mentioned that dozens of students in a primary school in Hunan Province had consumed this rice. This sparked immediate backlash from Bai Yansong, who raised concerns about the lack of official approval for the rice in China. He emphasized that no country had yet approved this type of GM rice, and that the Ministry of Agriculture had not given its endorsement. Bai argued that such experiments carried significant risks and should not be conducted without proper oversight.
Cui Yongyuan also voiced strong concerns about genetically modified foods. He once conducted an experiment with Fang, during which he highlighted the potential dangers of GM products. He warned that short-term studies might not reveal all the risks, and that long-term consequences could be unpredictable. His skepticism reflected the broader public concern about the unknown impacts of genetic modification on human health and the environment.
Recently, the claim that GM rice has been consumed for 14 years reignited public debates. Some saw it as proof of safety, while others viewed it as insufficient evidence. The controversy continues to divide experts, policymakers, and the general public.
At a recent “Golden Rice†tasting event in China, Zhang Qihuan, an academician from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, stressed that decisions about GM rice should be based on scientific regulations rather than public opinion. He criticized the Ministry of Agriculture for failing to act decisively, calling it an omission that had cost the country valuable time. He warned that delays in approving GM rice could lead to missed opportunities and long-term disadvantages.
Meanwhile, Lin Yongjun, a professor at Huazhong Agricultural University and leader of a major transgenic rice project, revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture is currently commissioning two key studies: a 90-day feeding trial on miniature pigs at China Agricultural University and a primate study at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Lin noted that monkeys are closer to humans in biological terms, making the results more relevant to human health.
He also clarified that unlike medicines or food products, human trials are not required before commercialization. Despite this, Lin himself has been eating GM rice for 14 consecutive years since 1999 and claims to be in good health. His personal experience adds another layer to the ongoing discussion about the safety and future of genetically modified crops.
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