China Enacts Genetic Product Rules

Requires Labeling

AP 6jun01

BEIJING  -- China has enacted new regulations on producing and using genetically modified farm products, the state-run Xinhua News Agency said Wednesday.

Rules approved May 23 by Premier Zhu Rongji are designed to protect the environment and human health while promoting research, Xinhua said.

China has enthusiastically pursued genetically modified products in its drive to be self-sufficient in food supplies for its 1.26 billion people. The country has not seen the level of heated debate that has raged in Europe and elsewhere over their safety.

Under the new rules, Chinese-foreign joint ventures and foreign-owned companies need government approval to research or test genetically altered products, Xinhua said.

Sellers of modified seeds, seedlings or animals need official permits, Xinhua said. The rules require labeling of genetically altered products.

Under the regulations, the government can reject or destroy imports of genetically modified products without proper documentation, Xinhua said.

Proponents contend that genetically altering crops to resist pests, drought or other adverse conditions may be the only way to ensure food security in the developing world, particularly in densely populated Asia.

But the technique of splicing genes from one organism onto another has also provoked fears of unforeseen hazards to health and the environment.