China approves three GMO soybean imports

BEIJING, June 15 (UPI) -- China said this week it would allow three more varieties of genetically modified soybeans to be imported.

The government committee in charge of GMO (genetically modified organisms) matters Thursday issued a written statement giving the green light to a strain of beans from Germany's BASF and two created by Monsanto Far East Ltd.

The beans, which were engineered to withstand herbicides and insects, will be allowed to be planted in Chinese fields. The varieties were previously approved by several other nations, the notice said.

The China Daily said Beijing earlier in the week approved three GMO soybeans from Brazil. China has been looking to increase demand for food processing and livestock fodder.