On March 30, the First Session of the Standing Committee of the Fifth National People's Congress of Hainan Province passed the "Regulations on the Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products of Hainan Province" (hereinafter referred to as the "Regulations"). These regulations stipulate that "livestock and poultry and their products are classified as agricultural genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and agricultural products must be labeled in accordance with relevant regulations." The "Regulations" will come into effect on June 1 this year. Experts believe that Hainan, as a key production base for winter fruits and vegetables nationwide and known as the "free island," is now taking a significant step toward ensuring food safety through these new rules.
According to several opinions from the Hainan Provincial Government on strengthening supervision over the quality and safety of agricultural products, it has been noted that the province’s agricultural products market is primarily outside the island. Every year, around 5 million tons of fresh and live agricultural products are sold across the country, with some even exported to European and American countries. The "Regulations" aim to ensure transparency by mandating proper labeling of GMO agricultural products, which is expected to support the development of Hainan’s national tropical modern agricultural base and enhance overall product safety oversight.
But what is the current state of GMO labeling on the market? In a world where the safety of genetically modified foods remains uncertain, are consumers' rights to information being adequately protected? How can relevant authorities better safeguard consumer awareness? And what do consumers themselves think about this issue?
A recent survey revealed that many genetically modified products use vague or misleading labels, sometimes even hiding their status from consumers. Reporters found that in some Beijing supermarkets, genetically modified markers on edible oils were hardly visible. Some brands only used small fonts in the ingredient list to mention that the soybeans used were genetically modified, while others didn’t label them at all. In contrast, non-GMO products often had prominent "non-transgenic" labels. Outside of oils, few other food items carried any GMO-related markings.
Consumers and netizens have raised concerns: "With more genetically modified foods appearing on the market, except for oils, most other products lack clear labeling. How can we protect our right to know?" Industry experts also emphasize the importance of transparency. Tu Shunming, director of the Plant Protein Research Center at the China Food Fermentation Industry Research Institute, stated that many soy-based products made from imported genetically modified soybeans are not properly labeled, ignoring consumer rights.
Investigations confirmed these claims. In supermarket sections selling soy drinks, no product was found with a GMO label, despite the variety available. Some soymilk beverages even featured "non-genetically modified soybeans" on packaging, while other products like soy sauce, corn, and tomatoes showed no GM labeling at all.
So, who is responsible for moving away our right to know? China has long had labeling regulations for genetically modified foods, such as the "Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms Labeling Management Regulations" introduced in March 2002, which required labeling of five major crops including soybean, corn, cotton, rapeseed, and tomato. However, despite these laws, many consumers still find themselves in the dark.
Legal experts point out that while the Consumer Protection Law guarantees consumers the right to know, enforcement remains weak. Beijing lawyer Cheng Jun said that failure to label GMO foods could infringe on consumer rights. According to an unnamed expert, current regulations are often not enforced, with little monitoring and no severe penalties. Producers also avoid labeling due to fears of reduced sales, leading to unclear or incomplete labels.
Moreover, outdated regulations and a lack of updated policies contribute to the problem. Many articles reference the "Sanitary Measures for the Management of Genetically Modified Foods," which was abolished in 2007, yet the replacement regulation lacks specific labeling requirements. Article 21 of the current policy states that "new resource foods should comply with relevant state regulations," but it remains vague.
Consumers and experts alike call for stronger supervision and clearer labeling standards. Li, a Beijing-based professional, emphasized the need for updated laws and effective enforcement. “Identity is not a security issue, but a right to know,†he said. Many believe that the debate over GMO safety is ongoing, but the priority now is ensuring consumers are fully informed.
Zhao Wenjin, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, stressed the need for openness and transparency in biotechnology. Representative Feng Ying from the National People’s Congress also called for stricter oversight and mandatory labeling of GMO products, stating that without proper labeling, consumers cannot make informed choices.
At a food forum, netizen “shrunk without sleep†expressed a sentiment shared by many: “Whether eating genetically modified foods will cause harm may not matter. What matters is knowing what I’m actually consuming.†It’s time for accountability, they say. Author: Yao Min
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