China says no to transgenic technology in staple foods

Beijing (CNS) -- No application of transgenic technology into staple food production is allowed in China, and the scientific research, experiments, production, sales and international trade of transgenic seeds must be adhere strictly to current regulations, says the 'exposure draft' of a food law released on Tuesday by the Legal Affairs Office of the State Council.

Exposure drafts are circulated for opinion-gathering before being finalized but it seems that as transgenic technology is widely controversial the government has already anticipated that the fact artificially processed genes are added into the gene complex of an organism is likely to arouse protests about the safety risk.

Transgenic corn and rice have already been forbidden by agricultural authorities according to official Chen Xiwen at the rural work office of the central government.

The exposure draft has formulated the standards and management of food quality, as well as food inspection. It also touches on food circulation, such as food procurement, processing, storage and logistics, to ensure that nationwide demands are met.