Soybeans on Taiwanese dinner tables: are 90% of them genetically modified beans fed to American pigs?

According to Department of Health statistics, Taiwan, China imports 2.3 million tons of soybeans from abroad every year, and as much as 90% of them are genetically modified soybeans. Most of these GM beans are processed into animal feed abroad. In other words, the soybeans that Americans use to feed pigs are made into soy milk, tofu, dried tofu and other products on the dining tables of Taiwan, China, and from cultivation to transport, pesticides and antibacterial agents are used throughout the entire process, which is truly alarming.

Others use them to feed animals, while we eat them

At present, soybeans on the market can be divided into premium grade, grade one and grade two. Premium grade refers to non-GM and organically grown beans, while grade one refers to food beans, including both GM and non-GM, specifically supplied for human consumption. Grade two is also called selected beans or feed beans; in pursuit of yield, genetic modification is used, and then other substances are mixed in, specifically for animal feed. The price difference between grade two and premium grade soybeans can reach as much as three times.

According to Department of Health statistics, of the 2.3 million tons of soybeans imported by Taiwan, China, as much as 90% are GM soybeans. Most of these GM soybeans are imported from the United States, and the vast majority are feed soybeans. However, the soybeans consumed domestically in the United States are food-grade soybeans, while feed-grade beans are exported. At present, 90% of the soybean products on the market in Taiwan, China are made from GM feed beans eaten by pigs in the United States.