**Global Times Comprehensive Report: The Controversy Surrounding Genetically Modified Foods**
On the 28th, some media outlets reported that in China, particularly in Hunan and Sichuan provinces, a large amount of imported genetically modified vegetable oil has been mixed with domestic non-transgenic rapeseed oil, making its way onto people’s tables. This revelation once again brought the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods back into public debate. With the global population growing rapidly and arable land shrinking, food security has become one of the most pressing challenges for many nations. High-yield, high-quality GM crops have emerged as a potential solution, but they have also sparked controversy since their inception.
The term "Frankenstein" has often been used to describe GM foods, reflecting public concerns about their safety and long-term effects. Transgenic crops are created by altering the DNA of plant seeds and transferring these modified genes to other plants, resulting in species that cannot naturally occur in nature. Foods made from or processed using genetically modified organisms are classified as GM foods.
In 1983, the world's first transgenic plant—tobacco containing antibiotic resistance genes—was successfully developed in the United States. At the time, many were amazed, saying, “Humanity now has the ‘hands of God’ to create new life.†Since then, genetic engineering technology has advanced significantly, improving the quality of both plant and animal products. By the 1990s, GM foods entered the commercial market. In 1994, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration approved the first genetically modified product—fresh tomatoes that could be stored longer without softening. These tomatoes gained popularity among consumers due to their extended shelf life.
By 2009, the number of GM food types in the U.S. had grown rapidly. According to U.S. government data, over 75% of processed foods contained GM ingredients, and more than 90% of soybeans, 80% of corn, and 70% of wheat were genetically modified. In early 2009, the FDA approved the first transgenic animal product—a genetically modified goat. Compared to conventional plants and animals, GM varieties offer advantages such as higher yield, better quality, disease resistance, and pest resistance, leading to widespread adoption globally.
However, since their introduction, GM foods have faced numerous controversies. In 1989, a Japanese company, Showa Denko, used genetic engineering to enhance the production of tryptophan, an essential amino acid. After the product was released, 37 people died and over 1,500 were injured, causing a major public outcry. In the UK, a study published in *Nature* by Cornell University professor John Ross and others found that pollen from transgenic corn caused harm to monarch butterfly larvae, leading to stunted growth and high mortality rates.
These incidents fueled public concern, prompting some countries to ban GM foods. Europeans even labeled them as "Frankenstein foods," referencing Mary Shelley’s novel where a scientist creates a monster that ultimately destroys him. Today, the term is used to express fears that GM crops could lead to ecological disasters and threaten human health.
In 2002, when southern Africa faced a severe drought, the U.S. offered 500,000 tons of grain, including 100,000 tons of corn. However, the corn was not labeled as non-GM, leading to its rejection. In 2003, India refused to import 1,000 tons of U.S. soybean and corn mixtures due to potential GM contamination and lack of thorough testing.
Political interests have also played a role in the spread of GM foods. In 1998, British researcher Dr. Arpad Pusztai claimed that mice fed with genetically modified potatoes showed immune system damage. However, his results were later retracted, and he admitted to inaccuracies in his findings. Despite this, public distrust grew, and many supermarkets removed GM products from shelves.
The U.S. government supported companies like Monsanto, which developed GM crops. In 1992, the Bush administration announced that biotech products would be regulated similarly to traditional ones, with no special controls. This led to the approval of GM milk containing rBGH, a hormone that increased milk production by 30%, appealing to farmers.
Argentina serves as a cautionary example of the consequences of GM crop dominance. Once self-sufficient in agriculture, Argentina fell into debt after accepting loans from international banks. In the 1990s, under President Menem, the country allowed Monsanto to monopolize genetically modified soybean seeds. This led to the near-total replacement of traditional crops, environmental degradation, and health issues among the population.
By 2002, 99% of Argentina’s soybean fields were planted with GM seeds, and herbicides from aircraft devastated surrounding farmland and livestock. Deforestation for soybean cultivation led to the spread of diseases like kala-azar, while malnutrition rose sharply. A 2008 documentary, *Monsanto’s World in the Eyes*, highlighted how Argentina became dependent on Monsanto’s technology, with little hope of reversing the damage.
As GM foods continue to evolve, their impact on society, environment, and health remains a topic of intense debate. While some see them as a solution to global food shortages, others fear the long-term consequences of genetic manipulation. The future of GM foods will depend on balancing innovation with transparency, safety, and ethical responsibility.
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