Genetically modified golden rice may yet succeed in the Philippines
A court in the Philippines revoked the permit to grow rice genetically modified to boost vitamin A, but the government is expected to appeal against the decision
By Michael Le Page
29 April 2024
Golden rice is genetically modified to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A
IRRI
Farmers in the Philippines may be able to continue growing golden rice genetically modified to combat malnutrition, despite a court decision revoking the permit for planting it.
The Philippines government will object to the decision, says Adrian Dubock, a member of the Golden Rice Humanitarian Board that guided the rice’s creation. “An objection will be filed with the appellate court, and I presume will be successful,” he says.
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Golden rice was developed to combat vitamin A deficiency, a major cause of disability and death worldwide. It is estimated to result in up to half a million children becoming blind each year, half of whom die within a year.
This is entirely preventable if children eat foods containing sufficient vitamin A or vitamin A precursors such as beta-carotene. This orange pigment, found in vegetables such as carrots, is converted into the vitamin by the body.
In the 1980s, a group of scientists set out to genetically engineer rice to contain beta-carotene, which became known as golden rice because of the colour from the pigment.
