Golden rice

Golden Rice is a variety of Oryza sativa (rice) that has been genetically modified to biosynthesize beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, in the edible parts of rice. It is intended to produce a fortified food to be grown and consumed in areas with a shortage of dietary vitamin A, a deficiency which is estimated to kill 670,000 children under the age of 5 each year.

History

Golden Rice was created by Ingo Potrykus of the Institute of Plant Sciences at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, and Peter Beyer of the University of Freiburg, Germany, in the late 1990s. The project was funded by the Rockefeller Foundation and the European Union. The initial prototype of Golden Rice produced only 1.6 µg/g of carotenoids, but further development increased this to 37 µg/g.

Development and Regulation

The development of Golden Rice has been managed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The IRRI is working with national partners to develop Golden Rice varieties suitable for different countries. The regulatory approval process for Golden Rice is ongoing in several countries.

Controversy

Golden Rice has been the subject of controversy and opposition from environmental and anti-globalization activists. Critics argue that the focus on a single crop detracts from the broader issue of overall dietary health and diversity. Supporters argue that Golden Rice has the potential to save millions of lives in developing countries.

See also

• Genetically modified food
• Biofortification
• Vitamin A deficiency