China approved for the first time safety of gene-edited wheatas a step to open up technology for food crops as Beijing moves cautiously forward in commercial cultivation of genetically modified crops.

Last year, China increased the number of permits genetically modified corn and soybeansmore productive and resistant to insects and herbicides to ensure their food safetybut adoption remains slow and cautious due to concerns about it impact on health and ecology.

China mainly imports genetically modified crops such as corn and soybeans. animal feedingand grows non-genetically modified varieties for food consumption. A lot of Chinese consumers still worried for the safety of genetically modified food crops.

Statement genetically modified wheat Disease resistance is considered milestonesince the ingredients used to make pasta, noodles and bread are primarily grown for human consumption. China is the largest producer and consumer of wheat. peace.

“This is a big stepwe can see the light for China open authorizations other food crops,” said one seed industry executive.

Unlike genetic modification, which introduces foreign genes into a plant, Gene editing changes existing genes change or improve your performance and some scientists consider it less risky than to genetically modify them.