â–¡Reporter Qian Yu
The evening news simply uses some simple equipment to extract DNA from food. After a certain chemical reaction, 40 or 50 minutes later, you can learn whether the food contains genetically modified ingredients. Yesterday, the reporter learned from the 43rd Academician Salon hosted by the Shanghai Academician Center that the rapid detection method for genetically modified organisms developed by the team of Professor Zhang Dabing of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s College of Life Sciences and Technology has passed several tests and has achieved initial success. This will also become very quick. One of the genetic testing methods. By then, this inspection method will meet with the general public in this city's GM science base.
“In fact, many people have misunderstandings about genetically modified foods. Someone once did a survey in Shanghai. Many respondents mistakenly believe that small tomatoes are genetically modified organisms. This is actually not the case.†Professor Zhang Dabing of Shanghai Jiaotong University stated that in order to convey Citizens, elementary and middle school students spread the knowledge of genetically modified organisms, and his country’s GM feature verification center will establish the first genetically modified organism and detection science popularization base in Shanghai so that citizens can understand in a comprehensive way what is called genetically modified organisms. enter the market. At that time, the science base will also set up an interactive laboratory to allow citizens to personally experience rapid detection methods for genetically modified products.
According to Professor Zhang Dabing, China's GM food detection technology has reached the international advanced level, and the detection time of genetically modified foods is also fast. Currently, they are developing a more advanced rapid detection method, using simple materials such as a modified syringe to extract DNA from food, and then reacting the DNA with some reagents to observe changes in the color of the solution under certain conditions. After about 40-50 minutes, if the color of the solution turns green, it means that the food contains genetically modified components. The test has passed several tests and has initially achieved success. "I believe that in the near future, after the popularization of such detection methods, citizens can experience how to extract DNA in their own kitchen."
According to Zhang Dabing, genetically modified foods on the domestic market have undergone rigorous testing and have clear signs. Our country adopts a “zero threshold†mandatory labeling system. Even if there is a little genetically modified ingredients in the product, if it is a product in the labeling list required by the state, it must be noted to satisfy consumers’ right to know and choose.