Golden Rice : Permit For commercial Production
The Philippine Court of Appeals recently revoked biosafety permits for the commercial production of genetically modified golden rice and Bt eggplant. The court cited the government’s failure to establish safety monitoring mechanisms.
- Golden Rice (approved for commercial production in 2021) is genetically engineered to contain beta carotene, giving it a yellow-orange colour.
- Unlike ordinary rice, which does not have beta carotene in its grain, Golden Rice’s beta carotene is identical to that found in vegetables and fruits.
- It does not require special cultivation practices and has the same yield and taste as regular rice.
- This rice is a valuable tool in combating Vitamin A deficiency, which is crucial for growth, immune health, and vision.
