A lab specializing in the examination of genetically modified food, crops and organisms in eastern China's Jiangsu Province has been acknowledged by a globally recognized transgenic inspection organization.

The lab is the first in the country specifically designed to deal with genetically modified substances.

First opening in 1999, the lab can inspect a variety of modified crops such as corn, cotton, potatoes and soybeans.

Genetically modified food, crops and organisms have been the object of public controversy since being introduced in the 1980's.

Debate surrounding the issue raises a variety of questions on ecological and human health concerns that come along with new advances made by genetic modification.

(CRI April 11, 2005)