The GM experiment should not be a farce

On the morning of the 7th, under the guidance of academicians from the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Director of the National Maize Improvement Engineering Center, Dai Jingrui, over 20 active participants visited a genetically modified corn testing site at China Agricultural University to taste and cook the crop. Fang Xiangzi, an event organizer and popular science writer, emphasized that while the taste of genetically modified corn may not hold scientific significance, its value lies in promoting public understanding of science. He argued that people should be given the opportunity to consume genetically modified foods regularly. (Beijing Times, September 8) Throughout human history, which spans millions of years, there has never been any record of genetic modification. According to historical records, China's civilization dates back 5,000 years, yet no such technology existed then. If it is true that Americans have been consuming genetically modified foods since 1990, what does that truly prove? Proponents of genetic modification argue that long-term effects are not yet fully understood. When compared to the vast timeline of human history—over six million years—decades of testing seem insignificant. Is it scientifically valid to conclude that genetically modified foods are safe based on such short-term trials? In ancient Chinese mythology, Shen Nong tasted hundreds of herbs, but this was not the work of one individual alone. Over millions of years, through repeated experimentation, people learned which plants could heal diseases and which were safe to eat. Even so, traditional Chinese medicine continues to be tested and validated by practitioners who maintain a scientific mindset. Similarly, acupuncture remains a practice used by some professionals. Who would dare to claim that a specific herbal remedy or supplement can be consumed daily without thorough verification? As a major agricultural country, China has developed its farming systems over thousands of years. The selection and breeding processes during that time were based on natural evolution, not modern genetic testing. Genetically modified foods represent a new kind of genetic experiment conducted by humans. Whether they are beneficial, neutral, or harmful remains uncertain. Scientific validation of such foods requires much longer periods—likely at least a century—before conclusive results can be drawn. Humans have historically taken thousands of years to determine whether a food is safe. How can we possibly judge the safety of genetically modified crops when their long-term impact is still unknown? The claim that "Americans have been eating genetically modified foods since 1990" is misleading. Are all Americans consuming them, or only a small group? Do they completely replace traditional foods, or do they only consume a small portion? Even if every American ate genetically modified foods, it would not provide sufficient evidence for global acceptance. Some genetic modifications may affect certain populations more than others, as seen in medical examples where specific pathogens harm individuals with particular genetic traits. The testing of genetically modified foods is not a marketing campaign, nor is it driven by government promotion or a few experts tasting a few samples. It must be based on rigorous scientific research tailored to China’s conditions. Such experiments require decades, even centuries, before conclusions can be drawn. Without proper long-term studies, labeling such products as safe would be a farce, far worse than the exaggerated claims of some unverified health trends. (Red Net / Li Zhenzhong)

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