Expert: Pigs try to eat genetically modified rice for 90 days

A few days ago, 61 academicians called for the industrialization of genetically modified rice, raising concerns about the safety of GM foods. According to a report from the Ministry of Agriculture, the ministry is intensifying public education efforts to create a more favorable environment for the application of biotechnology in China. They are also accelerating the revision of laws and regulations governing genetically modified organisms. On the 21st, Professor Huang Kunlun from the College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering at China Agricultural University stated that a pig feeding test on BT gene-resistant rice had been completed. The results showed that transgenic BT rice was nutritionally and safely equivalent to non-transgenic rice. Pigs have a digestive system very similar to humans, making them an ideal model for testing the safety of genetically modified foods. According to media reports, the Ministry of Agriculture commissioned a 90-day feeding trial with miniature pigs at China Agricultural University. Professor Huang Kunlun, a leading expert on GM rice, explained via email that this experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of BT rice on pigs. He noted that pigs are physiologically similar to humans in terms of digestion and diet, which makes them suitable for studying the long-term impacts of genetically modified food. During the 90-day trial, no pigs showed signs of poisoning or death. Their fur remained smooth, their movements were active, and they maintained normal eating habits and healthy growth. However, despite these findings, public skepticism about GM foods remains high. Many people question whether such short-term studies can truly confirm long-term safety. Some critics argue that 90 days is only a fraction of a pig's lifespan, and even less than a year for humans. This raises concerns about whether such tests can fully assess potential health risks. Currently, China has approved safety certificates for genetically modified crops like cotton, rice, corn, and papaya, but commercial planting is still pending. Under the Seed Law, GM crops must obtain multiple certifications before being allowed to be cultivated commercially. So far, only cotton and papaya are officially planted, while GM rice and corn remain unapproved. In addition, several imported crops, including soybeans, corn, rapeseed, and sugar beet, are genetically modified and require national safety certification. Despite these measures, public trust in GM technology remains low. Online surveys show that over 89% of respondents believe GM foods are unsafe, and 94% oppose their commercialization in China. This contrasts sharply with the small number of experts who support GM technology. In 2004, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences released a report warning that GM crops could pose serious threats to human health and the environment. In 2009, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine reported potential health risks, including infertility, immune issues, and organ damage in animals fed GM foods. These findings have led some medical professionals to advise against consuming genetically modified products. Recently, 61 Chinese academicians urged the government to accelerate the industrialization of GM rice, arguing that delays hinder scientific progress. However, many believe their motivations may be more related to research funding and commercial interests rather than public health. No country has yet commercialized GM rice or wheat, according to ISAAA data. The top GM crop producers include the U.S., Brazil, Argentina, Canada, and India, focusing mainly on corn, soybeans, and cotton. Before rushing into large-scale GM rice production, it’s essential to ensure rigorous, long-term safety studies. The potential impact on public health and national well-being cannot be ignored. As with environmental pollution, the consequences of hasty decisions may not become apparent until it's too late.

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