FURY OVER GENE FOOD FIRM
`FRANKENSTEIN CURE'
PA 30.08.98 18:44
Copyright 1998 PA News. Copying, storing, redistribution, retransmission, publication,
transfer or commerical exploitation of this information is expressly forbidden.
By Tim Moynihan, PA News
A new row broke out today over the genetic modification of food as environmental
campaigners criticised the development of a new crop which its makers say could help
prevent Vitamin A deficiency related diseases.
Controversial US multinational Monsanto, which is powering the growth of genetically
modified food, said oil derived from the rape seed plant, a member of the mustard family,
was being genetically enhanced to contain an increased level of beta-carotene, the
precursor to Vitamin A.
The project was described by Friends of the Earth as a "Frankenstein wonder
cure".
The company said millions of people in developing countries around the world, especially
children, suffer from Vitamin A deficiency related diseases, including night blindness -
which ultimately leads to permanent loss of vision, loss of immune system functions, and
the inability to absorb proteins.
Dr Ganesh Kishore, the company's chief biotechnologist and president of the company's
nutrition sector, said: "We believe we can provide a cost efficient and convenient
way to deliver nutrition to those people who can't afford vegetables or don't have access
to dietary supplements, but whose diets already include rape seed oil."
High beta-carotene oil, the product's working name, was created using a gene from a
naturally occurring soil bacterium to increase the level of beta-carotene present within
the plant. The gene is a close cousin of the plant gene normally responsible for
regulating levels of beta-carotene production in the rape seed.
One teaspoon of the oil will provide the daily recommended intake for an adult.
Friends of the Earth food campaigner Adrian Bebb said: "People in developing
countries need access to balanced diets, not Monsanto's Frankenstein wonder cures.
"This is a desperate company scratching around for a genetic engineering good news
story.
"Why don't they go to work against world debt, so people can afford proper food
rather than waste time and money on new products that nobody needs?"
Monsanto is currently growing the potential product in field trials in the United States.
Extensive safety testing for environmental, food and animal safety, including appropriate
human consumption levels should be completed over the next few years. The company hopes to
introduce the product some time in the year 2002 and is exploring opportunities in Asia
and Latin America.