August 2, 2010

 

China to allow entry of 11 GM corn strains

China will permit the import of only 11 strains of genetically modified (GM) corn, out of more than 20 kinds globally, the country's top economic planning agency said Friday (Jul 30).

 

The National Development and Reform Commission had carried the transcript of a question-answer session on the issue, along with an assessment of the impact of all types of corn imports on the domestic market.

 

Acknowledging intense public debate on GM corn imports, the commission said such grains would only be allowed for use in livestock feed, and will be closely inspected, quarantined and tested.

 

China will be importing about one million tonnes of corn from the US by September to relieve domestic shortages.

 

A large portion of 166 million tonnes of soy imported into China during 2005-2009 was genetically modified, but those imports were strictly regulated and did not affect the safety of soyoil and other foods, it said.