Japan Government Guarantees No Cross-contamination Between GM Crops and Non-GM Crops

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) in Japan has released new data on their regular annual surveys and detailed reports on various genetically modified (GM) crops. Japan has been monitoring GM crop cultivation sites to ensure no cross-contamination with non-GM crops of the same species within the area. Their newly released data addresses public concerns about the “accidental spillage” of GM crops.

Public skepticism has persisted despite years of data showing minimal to no cross-contamination between GM and non-GM crops. Recently, there have been concerns about the accidental spillage of GM crop seeds. Japan's MAFF reassures that the survey conducted in multiple GM rapeseed and soybean crop sites showed that there were no modified genes found in related nearby species.

The Ministry has implemented strict protocols to ensure the safe use and consumption of GM crops in the country. MAFF emphasized that there is no risk that these GM crops will affect local biodiversity. To address any public concerns, MAFF said that they will continue to investigate and monitor GM crops available in Japan, such as rapeseed, soybean, corn, and cotton.

For more information, read the article from Food Navigator Asia and AgTechNavigator.