China's agricultural ministry has approved the import of three types of genetically modified soybeans notwithstanding the controversy surrounding GM food products in the country and round the world.
The three new types of genetically modified soybeans were given permission to enter the Chinese market after a three year scrutiny, state-run CCTV reported today.
The three types of newly approved genetically modified soy beans are from the US transgenic giant Monsanto, and the German Company BASF.
"We needed to check all the documents, and verify the growing environment and safety, before approving a new type of transgenic crop. The crop should also pass tests from individual testing centres", Peng Yufa, Deputy Director of National Transgenic Crop Committee, said.
Chinese government officials say the crops will not be on the market directly.
Peng said, "The imported GM soy beans are to be made into cooking oil. The final product will not contain transgenic protein. So there is no food safety threat."
Although officials say genetically modified products are safe, there has been increasing attention to the issue in China.
Liu Jingliang, Information Director of Jinxiudadi Food Wholesale Market, said, "The government requires all GM products to be clearly labelled. And now more and more people are asking if the food they buy is genetically modified.
