The Philippines has recently revoked biosafety permits for the commercial propagation of genetically modified (GM) golden rice and Bt eggplant, which had been seen as pivotal in combating nutritional deficiencies.
About Golden rice:
- The Philippines approved commercial production of golden rice, genetically engineered to contain higher levels of iron, zinc, and beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor), in 2021.
- Vitamin A deficiency is a significant public health issue, especially in children, with high rates in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
- Golden rice and Bt eggplant were seen as potential solutions to address this deficiency.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is golden rice?
Golden rice is a genetically engineered variety of rice that has been modified to contain higher levels of iron, zinc, and beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A. This modification aims to address vitamin A deficiency, especially in regions where rice is a staple food.
Where has golden rice been approved for commercial production?
As of 2021, the Philippines has approved the commercial production of golden rice. This approval marks a significant step towards utilizing genetically modified crops to address nutritional deficiencies.