Many problems with genetically modified foods

â–¡ Yao Min

Recently, Hainan introduced legislation regulating genetically modified foods. The new rules state that "livestock, poultry, their products, and agricultural products classified as genetically modified organisms must be labeled in accordance with relevant regulations," which will take effect on June 1 this year. However, what is the current situation regarding the labeling of genetically modified foods on the market? In a world where the safety of genetically modified foods remains uncertain, are consumers' rights to information being adequately protected? And how can relevant authorities better safeguard consumers’ right to know?

Labeling: A Game of Hide and Seek

It’s common for genetically modified products to use vague or misleading labels, even playing a game of “hide and seek” with consumers. In some Beijing supermarkets and shopping malls, the GM labels on many edible oils are barely visible. Some brands only use tiny fonts in the ingredient list to indicate that the product contains genetically modified soybeans, while others don’t mention it at all. In contrast, non-GMO oil products often have large, eye-catching “non-transgenic” labels. Beyond oils, few other food items carry any GM labeling.

Some readers and online users have expressed frustration, saying, “There are more genetically modified foods now than ever before. Besides oils, most GM foods are hardly labeled. How can we protect our right to know?” Industry experts also call for stronger consumer protection. Tu Shunming, director of the Plant Protein Research Center at the China Food Fermentation Industry Research Institute, pointed out, “Many soy milk, soy drinks, and soy sauce made from imported genetically modified soybeans are not labeled, ignoring consumers’ right to information.”

Operators Fear Labels Hurt Sales

What does China’s law say about labeling genetically modified foods? Since March 2002, the “Administrative Measures on Labeling of Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms,” issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, has required that soybeans, corn, cotton, rape, and tomatoes be labeled if they are genetically modified. Despite these clear regulations, why do many GM products still manage to hide their labels? Many consumers ask, “Who has taken away my right to know?”

According to the “Consumer Protection Law,” consumers have the right to request that producers and sellers clearly disclose the contents of food products. “If a product is not labeled, it infringes on consumers’ right to know,” said Cheng Jun, a senior lawyer in Beijing. An unnamed expert added, “China has established a labeling system for genetically modified products, but most regulations are not enforceable. There is a lack of effective monitoring, and penalties are too light. Producers worry that labeling might hurt sales, leading to cases where labels are either missing or only partially visible.”

The failure to update and enforce existing laws is another major reason why consumer rights remain unfulfilled. It is known that the “Measures for the Hygiene Management of Genetically Modified Foods” was abolished in December 2007 and replaced by the “Administrative Measures on New Resources and Foods.” However, in the five years since then, no detailed requirements for GM labeling have been found in the updated regulations.

Looking Ahead: Effective Oversight Needed

“The number of genetically modified foods is increasing, and related regulations should keep up with the times,” said Mr. Li, a consumer working in Beijing. “Identity isn’t a security issue—it’s a right to know.” Many consumers emphasize that the debate over GM food safety has long been ongoing, but now the focus is shifting toward transparency and the right to information.

Zhao Wenjin, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, believes that agricultural biotechnology should be developed, but with caution. He stresses the need for greater openness, public participation in biosafety management, and a strict regulatory system to ensure consumers can make informed choices. At this year’s two sessions, NPC representative Feng Ying proposed strengthening supervision of genetically modified products. “Genetically modified foods are closely related to people’s health and must be clearly labeled,” she said. She criticized the widespread phenomenon of “only approval without proper standards” and suggested that GM product management should be included in national strategy, with severe punishment for violations. She also called for mandatory labeling of soy products, feedstuffs, and corn made from genetically modified crops to protect consumers’ right to choose.

Conical Strainer

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