, Columnist
China Wants GMOs. The Chinese People Don't.
The government is relying on technologically enhanced crops to feed the world's biggest population.
Hybrid rice is the next big thing.
Photographer: Guang Niu/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
The latest food safety scandal in China might be its most damaging. Earlier this week, a former doctoral student at one of the country's national testing centers for genetically modified organisms went public with allegations of scientific fraud, including claims that records were doctored extensively, that unqualified personnel were employed under illegal contracts and -- most seriously -- that authorities refused to take action when his concerns were aired privately.
On Wednesday, China's Ministry of Agriculture responded to a social media storm by suspending operations at the center.