Genetically Modified Food

In 2000, researchers published news in the journal Science about a new type of rice. Golden Rice is genetically modified (GM) to contain increased levels of substances that are converted into vitamin A in the body. The rice was intended to combat blindness caused by malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency in countries in the Third World where rice is a staple food. Several biotechnology companies allowed the producer of Golden Rice to use patented sequences and techniques without charging for them. The project was presented as a humanitarian initiative. According to The Guardian, an estimated 100,000 children die annually from diseases related to vitamin A deficiency. But the project has faced criticism; among other things, some have claimed that the main aim of the project was not to reduce malnutrition but to generate good publicity and profit for the company. Questions have also been raised about whether the new type of rice might displace or destroy the production of traditional, local rice varieties.

Twenty-five years after Golden Rice was developed, it is still not in production. In the Philippines, the question of commercial use of the rice has been dealt with in the legal system. It was initially approved, but the decision was appealed by Greenpeace and local farmers, and overturned.

Questions for discussion

• What questions should researchers reflect on before starting projects involving the development of genetically modified food plants?
• What interests are served by the use of GM plants? Who or what might be harmed?
• Is it less controversial to develop GM products intended for animal feed? Discuss in light of aspects such as sustainability, societal benefit, and risk.

Read more

• Biotechnology and genetic engineering in the Research Ethics Library (FBIB)
• Golden Rice in The Golden Rice Project

Updated in 2025 by The National Research Ethics Committees