99.3% of soybeans imported from US test positive for genetic modification

Genetically modified organism (GMO) components were detected in 99.3 percent of U.S. soybean import cases tested over the past decade, trade data showed Friday, raising calls for Korea to diversify its soybean import sources. According to Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. data submitted to Rep. Song Ok-joo of the Democratic Party of Korea, Korea imported 1.6 million tons of U.S. soybeans between 2017 and September 2026, accounting for 91.5 percent of its total soybean imports during the period. GMO components were detected in 399 of 402 U.S. soybean import cases, or 99.3 percent. Canadian soybeans were imported in 45 shipments totaling 29,469 tons, with GMO components detected in 57.8 percent of the cases. In contrast, no GMO components were detected in soybeans imported from China or Russia. Chinese soybeans totaled 112,124 tons in 18 shipments, accounting for 6.4 percent of total imports, while Russian soybeans totaled 7,870 tons across five shipments. The data came amid recent controversies over GMO detection in soybean-based foods such as tofu, soy milk and fermented soybean pa