Clipping Board » Eat Healthily ─ Introduction to healthy eating, medicinal cuisine, and health supplements
Liao Peiyu / Taipei Report | China Times Electronic News – November 3, 2014
Whether genetically modified (GM) foods are harmful to human health remains inconclusive in academic and medical circles. However, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) announced in June this year that starting next year, food products must be labeled with "genetically modified" or "contains genetically modified ingredients" to allow consumers to make informed choices.
The mandatory labeling system for GM foods will be implemented in three phases starting January 1 next year. In the future, in addition to soybeans, foods such as boxed or loose tofu, dried tofu, and vegetarian products containing soybeans must clearly indicate if they contain GM ingredients.
Yen Tsung-hai, director of the Clinical Toxicology Department at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, stated that opinions among scholars are divided on whether GM foods pose health risks. However, most of Taiwan's soybeans are imported from the U.S. and Brazil, which may contain high levels of pesticide residues, such as glyphosate (commonly known as "Roundup"). This is the primary concern, as pesticides do have proven effects on human health.
As for whether genetic modification itself is harmful, views vary. Yen pointed out that some studies suggest drinking GM soy milk may trigger allergies. The most controversial aspect is the potential organ damage caused by GM foods. Some animal experiments have shown harm to the liver and kidneys, while others have found no adverse effects.
Hsu Hui-yu, director of the Food Nutrition Division at the John Tung Foundation, noted that the popularity of GM foods is largely due to their affordability. For economically disadvantaged individuals or nations, genetic modification ensures food security. Like 3C products, GM technology is a product of scientific advancement, with both benefits and drawbacks.
Regarding the removal of GM foods from schools, Hsu explained that, for example, using non-GM ingredients in school lunches would inevitably raise costs. In such cases, government subsidies would be necessary—otherwise, the burden would fall on parents. Whether such subsidies violate principles of fairness remains a topic for discussion.
Source: https:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ % E……8% 85% E6% A5% 9A- 215033560. html
GMO Labeling Required from Next Year
Whether genetically modified (GM) foods are harmful to human health remains inconclusive in academic and medical circles. However, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) announced in June this year that starting next year, food products must be labeled with "genetically modified" or "contains genetically modified ingredients" to allow consumers to make informed choices.
The mandatory labeling system for GM foods will be implemented in three phases starting January 1 next year. In the future, in addition to soybeans, foods such as boxed or loose tofu, dried tofu, and vegetarian products containing soybeans must clearly indicate if they contain GM ingredients.
Yen Tsung-hai, director of the Clinical Toxicology Department at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, stated that opinions among scholars are divided on whether GM foods pose health risks. However, most of Taiwan's soybeans are imported from the U.S. and Brazil, which may contain high levels of pesticide residues, such as glyphosate (commonly known as "Roundup"). This is the primary concern, as pesticides do have proven effects on human health.
As for whether genetic modification itself is harmful, views vary. Yen pointed out that some studies suggest drinking GM soy milk may trigger allergies. The most controversial aspect is the potential organ damage caused by GM foods. Some animal experiments have shown harm to the liver and kidneys, while others have found no adverse effects.
Hsu Hui-yu, director of the Food Nutrition Division at the John Tung Foundation, noted that the popularity of GM foods is largely due to their affordability. For economically disadvantaged individuals or nations, genetic modification ensures food security. Like 3C products, GM technology is a product of scientific advancement, with both benefits and drawbacks.
Regarding the removal of GM foods from schools, Hsu explained that, for example, using non-GM ingredients in school lunches would inevitably raise costs. In such cases, government subsidies would be necessary—otherwise, the burden would fall on parents. Whether such subsidies violate principles of fairness remains a topic for discussion.
Source: https:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ % E……8% 85% E6% A5% 9A- 215033560. html