China approves gene-edited wheat

China approved the safety of gene-edited wheat, moving it closer to commercial production of genetically modified food crops, Reuters reported.

The approval is seen as a milestone since the wheat is used to make pasta, noodles and bread and is predominantly grown in China for food consumption, Reuters said.

Beijing also is expected to pass new rules this year for the labeling of genetically modified crops used in food products, state media reported in March.

The agriculture ministry also approved a new variety of genetically modified corn with herbicide and insect-resistant traits, as well as one gene-edited corn variety that is higher yielding.

In the last year, China has approved genetically modified corn and soybean seeds that are higher-yielding and resistant to insects and herbicide. In genetic modification, foreign genes are introduced into a plant. But in gene editing, existing genes are altered to change or improve its performance. It is viewed by some scientists as less risky.

China currently mostly imports GM crops for animal feed since many consumers are concerned about their safety as food crops.

Tags: wheat, China