Ma Qingbin: Do not rush to allow GM foods to enter the market
According to the Voice of Economy, “Tianxia Finance,†Chen Xiwen, vice chairman of the Central Rural Work Leading Group and director of its office, recently emphasized that if genetically modified (GM) crops are to be sold in the market and reach consumers, they must undergo an extremely rigorous review process. Only when it is guaranteed that these products will not cause any adverse effects can they be approved for commercial sale. Otherwise, no one should have the authority to bring them to market. This raises important questions: How should we interpret such a policy? And how should the government regulate existing GM foods? To explore these issues, Tianxia Finance’s reporter Wang Xia interviewed Ma Qingbin, an expert at the China International Economic Exchange Center.
Reporter: Hello, Professor Ma. First, I’d like to ask you: What do you think are the main reasons behind the controversy surrounding genetic modification?
Ma Qingbin: The core of the debate still revolves around safety. To understand this, we need to look at two levels. The first is the biological safety that the general public is concerned about—whether consuming GM food could harm the human body. From various studies, there may be potential risks that are not immediately visible, or even manifest across generations. Some problems may be hidden and only become apparent over time. The second level involves seed-related issues, which tie into broader concerns about food security. If seed breeding involves genetic modification, and if these seeds fall out of our control, it could lead to serious consequences. If we don’t maintain control over the seeds used for food production, the sustainability and safety of our food supply will be at risk. In essence, this is a fundamental issue affecting national food security.
Reporter: In your view, how should the government strengthen regulation of genetically modified foods?
Ma Qingbin: I believe the government should start by establishing a solid legal framework. Before GM crops are allowed to enter the market, or even be tested in the field, they should be thoroughly studied in controlled laboratory environments. The risk isn’t just about whether we choose to grow GM crops domestically, but also about the possibility of foreign GM seeds entering our country. This is a multi-generational concern. I think the government should address public worries by setting up a dedicated agency that includes multiple departments such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Customs, and even security agencies. A cross-departmental task force should be established to conduct comprehensive scientific assessments and trials before making any decisions. At present, I feel that China lacks a strong regulatory foundation in this area. This is not just a short-term issue—it's a long-term, strategic challenge. Rushing GM products into the market could lead to serious consequences, and I believe that caution is the wiser approach.
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