A venture company in Hokkaido is challenging Japanese consumers unwilling to buy genetically modified food.
A-Hit Bio Inc., a biotech firm established by four agriculture experts, on Friday released "natto" (fermented soybeans) made of 95 percent genetically engineered soybeans. The four claim it is the first highly bioengineered product to go on sale in Japan.
"This product is environmentally friendly as well as consumer-friendly because we have sought safety and taste," said Junko Ikeda, the company's chief executive officer, in Tokyo.