Genetically modified rice hard for some to swallow

• Source: Global Times
• [02:37 December 24 2009]
• Comments

"The anti-pest Bt only accumulates on the rice's stalks and leaves and hardly reaches the rice grains, which makes its safety above suspicion," said Zhu Yingguo of the Chinese Academy of Engineering who is also a noted scientist on hybrid rice.

According to HAU, the nutrition, toxic and allergy analysis showed that the two transgenic varieties are as safe as natural ones.

"The varieties we developed not only increase yield, but also decrease the usage of pesticides, which will be very helpful to the environment," said Peng, the director of the publicity department at the university.

He said it is also significant for China's food security in the long run.

"Now the transgenic seeds of the US have grabbed a large share in the Chinese crop seeds market, including corn, soybean and cotton," he said.

However, many Chinese said they would not eat that rice.

"Even the pests will not eat it, how could we dare to?" said Li Lun, a student from Shenzhen Polytechnic.

Peng said that view was groundless.

"First, the digestive system of human beings differ from those of pests. Besides, pests eat stalks and leaves, not the grains, how could the two compare with each other?"

Peng also said they would make efforts to publicize the rice's safety.

After getting seeds production certificates and operation licenses, the rice will be first cultivated and grown in Hubei Province.

According to the Southern Metropolis Daily, transgenic crops such as cotton, tomato and green pepper have taken the place of traditional varieties in China. Now transgenic cotton makes up 69 percent of the planting area.