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What is a safe genetically modified food?
Genetically modified (GM) technology is a breeding method, and whether it is safe or harmful depends on the specific product. Safe foods can be genetically modified, just as unsafe ones can also be. The safety of any GM food must be determined through a comprehensive risk assessment. Only those varieties that are at least as safe as their conventional counterparts are approved for cultivation.
In recent months, the term "GM" has sparked public concern. For example, GM wheat crops, which have been grown for years, unexpectedly appeared in a region of the U.S. Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Agriculture recently approved the release of three types of genetically modified soybeans, and three GM scientists were honored with the World Food Prize. Despite these developments, many people still question the safety of genetically modified foods.
So, what do we really need to know about GM?
First, GM is a technology, not a product. Just like cooking is a process, we cannot say if "cooking" is good or bad—it all depends on the outcome. Similarly, transgenic technology can produce safe or unsafe crops. Therefore, when discussing GM food safety, it's essential to evaluate each product individually. This is known as the "case principle" in GM safety assessments—each product must undergo its own evaluation. Only those that pass the test are considered safe and approved for planting.
When we say something is "good" or "bad," we’re always comparing it to a standard. Without a reference point, it's impossible to judge. The same applies to food safety. We don’t talk about absolute safety because no food is 100% risk-free. Even traditional foods like peanuts, wheat, and milk have caused allergies or poisoning in some individuals. However, we accept them as safe based on historical use.
For GM foods, safety assessments compare them to their non-modified counterparts. If the GM version doesn't pose a higher risk, it's considered "risk-equivalent" and deemed safe. This approach avoids unrealistic expectations of "absolute safety."
The safety review of GM products follows two key principles: case-by-case evaluation and risk assessment. When a new GM variety is developed, experts analyze every step of the process, from gene source to final product.
For instance, the genes used in GM crops must come from organisms with a long history of safe use. Take Bt, a common insect-resistant gene from a naturally occurring bacterium. It has been safely used as a pesticide for decades before being introduced into crops.
Next, the proteins produced by the transgene must be tested for safety. They should be digestible, non-toxic, and free from allergenic potential. For example, golden rice contains a gene that produces beta-carotene, which is similar to what people normally consume.
Additionally, scientists check whether the gene transfer affects the crop’s natural composition. Modern techniques allow for precise monitoring. If no harmful changes occur, the GM crop is considered equivalent to its traditional counterpart.
Beyond food safety, environmental risks are also evaluated. Concerns include herbicide-resistant genes spreading to wild plants or insect-resistant genes leading to "super pests." These risks are real, but they are managed through strict assessments.
A good example is the genetically modified salmon. It was evaluated for its environmental impact and found to have very low risk due to multiple safeguards, such as closed breeding systems and sterile traits. Compared to other hybrid species, its ecological impact is much smaller.
While there have been cases of resistant weeds or pests, this issue isn't unique to GM crops. Pesticides and herbicides can cause resistance even without genetic modification. However, after 20 years of large-scale GM crop cultivation in the U.S., the environmental impact has been lower than expected.
In conclusion, genetically modified technology itself is neutral—it can create safe or unsafe products. The safety of any GM food must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Only those that meet rigorous safety standards are approved for planting. Anything that fails the assessment is never released.