Is genetically modified (GM) food becoming safe in the end? A reporter recently visited the Quanzhou market and found that a wide variety of foods did not clearly indicate whether they were made from genetically modified ingredients. This lack of transparency has raised concerns among consumers.
"Transfer" or "non-transfer" – these terms are often used on labels, but their meanings remain unclear to most people. The labeling of genetically modified edible oils is mostly subtle and hard to spot. For example, some products mention "low-key" labeling, making it difficult for shoppers to identify if the oil is GM or not.
[Image: Ingredient list]
**Key Insights**
Although many people have heard the term “genetically modified,†few truly understand whether the food they buy contains GM ingredients. How close is GM food to our daily lives? Recently, the reporter visited several large supermarkets in the city center and discovered that GM foods are actually quite common — including soybean oil, soy milk, bean paste, and soy sauce. Are these foods safe? How can we tell if they are genetically modified? Some citizens have called for clearer, mandatory labeling so that consumers can make informed choices.
Reporter: Wang Lihong, Chen Ling, Intern: Lin Shuxiu, Wu Wei | Text and photos
**Market Mix: "Genetic" and "Non-Genetic" Coexist**
Hidden behind the shelves, GM ingredients are often not clearly marked. At Xinhuadu Supermarket on Fortress Street, the reporter noticed that while some oils were clearly labeled as "non-genetically modified," others containing GM soybeans were only mentioned in small print, such as "processing raw material is genetically modified soybean." These details are easy to overlook.
At Parkway Supermarket on Quanxiu Street, pure peanut oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, and rice oil were clearly labeled as "non-GM." However, blended oils and soybean oil had small text stating "processing raw material is genetically modified soybean" or "genetically modified rapeseed." The information was barely visible, leaving customers confused.
**Soy Sauce: Hard to Judge**
Looking at soy sauce, which mainly uses soybeans, the reporter found that out of about 17 brands in Tesco Street, only five were clearly labeled as "non-genetically modified," and one was labeled as "genetically modified." The rest simply listed "selected soybeans" or "defatted soybeans" without indicating whether they were genetically modified.
Similar issues exist with soybean paste and bean paste. Even within the same brand, some products had clear labels, while others were ambiguous. For instance, at Wal-Mart on Jiangbin Road, one Qiandao sauce only listed "soybean oil" on the label, while a nearby bean paste clearly stated "non-genetically modified soybeans" on its ingredient list.
This lack of clarity highlights the need for more transparent and standardized labeling across the food industry. As consumers become more aware of the potential risks and benefits of GM foods, the demand for clear, accurate information is growing.
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