The "Golden Rice" controversy from the previous paragraph once again brought public attention to genetically modified (GM) foods. According to data from the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), in 2011, the global area planted with GM soybeans reached 75.4 million hectares, making up 47% of all genetically modified crops and 75% of the total soybean cultivation area. The United States is currently the largest producer of genetically modified soybeans.
However, some online articles claim that Americans don't actually consume GM foods themselves, and their soybeans are mainly exported. But what's the real situation? How are GM soybeans cultivated and exported in the U.S.? Do Americans eat genetically modified foods? Should GM products be labeled? And how does the U.S. regulate the commercial use of genetic modification technology?
To find out, the People's Daily "Certification" column recently interviewed U.S. government officials, researchers, farmers, and consumers, aiming to uncover the truth behind the debate.
In the 1990s, U.S. research institutions successfully developed the first generation of genetically modified soybeans. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the percentage of GM soybeans has steadily increased over time. By 2000, they accounted for 54% of the total soybean planting area, rising to 93% by 2012. Mark Aish, a soybean research expert at the USDA, noted that 93% of U.S. soybean production comes from GM varieties. Most of it is consumed domestically, with an estimated 47.2 million tons used within the country in 2012–2013, while 37.3 million tons were exported, representing about 45% of the total.
Mark Aish also mentioned that GM technology has been widely applied in the U.S. for nearly 20 years, with extensive independent studies showing no significant differences in safety or nutritional value between GM and non-GM crops. However, according to U.S. media, most corn, soybeans, and cotton grown in the U.S. are genetically modified, and GM foods are common, leaving consumers with little choice.
A 2011 study by Henry Miller, a researcher at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, found that Americans consumed approximately 3 trillion GM food items over the past decade.
When shopping in a U.S. supermarket, it's hard to find a label indicating "genetically modified foods." Currently, there are no federal regulations requiring GM foods to be specifically labeled. In 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a draft policy reaffirming the principle of "substantial equivalence" between GM and traditional foods, leading to a lack of strict labeling requirements.
According to Mark Ash, if the government approves a GM food, it means it is safe for consumption, and thus, there is no need for additional labeling.
At the University of California, Davis, renowned for its agronomy programs, Professor Alan Bennett explained that the U.S. has a very strict approval process for the commercialization of genetically modified technologies. Before any transgenic seeds can be sold, they must go through a rigorous review by multiple agencies. This process can take five to ten years, with seed companies paying millions in fees—between $10 million and $30 million—for regulatory assessments.
Experts also pointed out that U.S. companies face significant financial risks if they fail to ensure the safety of their products. With a strong credit system and legal framework in place, companies are highly cautious. Only after thorough scientific testing and evaluation do they feel confident enough to bring GM products to market.
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