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Why is there a certain stigma surrounding genetic engineering? Many might think it's something ominous and would prefer to stay away. However, the facts might surprise you.
Japan imports a significant amount of genetically modified crops. According to the Ministry of Finance's trade statistics, Japan imports 100% of its corn (rounded up, as domestically produced corn is almost nonexistent). It's estimated that 78% of these imports are genetically modified varieties.
While products like natto (fermented soybeans) and tofu have mandatory labeling for genetic modifications, corn syrup, sweeteners (like high fructose corn syrup used in soft drinks), and salad oils do not. Corn syrup and sweeteners are derived from corn, and salad oils are made from canola. Even if these food products were made from genetically modified crops, there's no way for us to know.
Why aren't these products labeled as genetically modified? It's because products like corn syrup and edible oils don't contain the genes or the proteins those genes produce, making it impossible to determine whether they're derived from genetically modified crops. Furthermore, many animal feeds contain genetically modified corn or soybeans, but they're exempt from labeling. You cannot determine whether the pork or beef you eat was raised on genetically modified feed.
Insulin injections, indispensable for treating diabetes, have become mass-produced thanks to genetic engineering. Thanks to insulin shots, diabetic patients can lead normal lives outside hospitals. Techniques like induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and embryonic stem cells (ES cells) also employ genetic engineering.
Setting aside the debate on whether genetic engineering is good or bad, the reality is that it's already deeply embedded in our lives. It's now inseparable from modern civilization. Even those who oppose genetic engineering are inadvertently involved with it in some way. As time progresses, we'll encounter genetically engineered products even more in our daily lives. Given this, instead of outright criticism, it may be more prudent to consider how we can coexist with genetic engineering moving forward.
