Huoshan County piloted GM food counters sales of genetically modified foods declined slightly
2025-10-12 11:02:44
On June 1st, Huoshan County in Lu'an City launched a pilot program for the sale of genetically modified (GM) foods. Two supermarkets in the urban area were selected, along with one supermarket each in the development zone and 15 townships, all setting up dedicated "GMO Food Counters." According to reports from Xinan Evening News and Anhui Network, sales of GM foods at these pilot locations have seen a slight decline, with analysts suggesting this is linked to consumer concerns over the safety and transparency of such products.
The pilot initiative involves 18 supermarkets across the county, including two in the city center, one in the development zone, and one in each of the 15 townships. Each counter is required to have clear signage, and GM foods are sold alongside non-GM options without any segregation. However, some stores have opted to separate GM products, leading to mixed results in terms of consumer response.
At Huoshan Zhongxing Store, a local commerce company, the manager, Xu, reported that sales of GM foods have dropped compared to previous periods. “It's not a huge drop, but there's definitely a noticeable decline,†he said. In one of the urban supermarkets, sales of GM products fell by about 20%, while the other had just started the counter and the impact was less clear. Still, fluctuations have been observed.
So far, the main products available at the counters are edible oils, as China has not yet established a comprehensive classification system for GM foods. Other items like sweet corn are not considered GM, making it difficult to identify them clearly. At a supermarket on Jiefangbei Road, the reporter noticed that non-GM oils were more prominently displayed and had larger labels, which may contribute to their higher sales. In the vegetable section, vacuum-packed sweet corn was found without any GMO labeling.
Consumers appear to be more cautious when purchasing GM foods. Xu explained that before the counters were introduced, many shoppers didn’t pay much attention to whether a product was genetically modified, especially if they were buying branded items. The new display method, however, has made some customers uncomfortable.
According to an official from the Huoshan County Market Supervision Bureau, the presence of dedicated counters could influence consumer behavior. “People tend to be more careful when choosing products that are labeled as GM,†the official noted. This increased awareness may lead to greater scrutiny and hesitation among buyers.
Mr. Dong, a resident of Hengshan Township, shared his own experience: “When I go to buy cooking oil, I take time to check the label carefully. I also think about my budget before deciding.†He added that he tends to prefer non-GM products due to lingering concerns about the long-term effects of GM foods.
Overall, the pilot program has sparked both curiosity and caution among consumers. While the initiative aims to increase transparency, it has also raised questions about public perception and trust in genetically modified food products. As the program continues, further insights into consumer behavior and market trends will likely emerge.
By Mao Junfeng, photography by Dou Zujun.
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