PHILIPPINE Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) expects to fully develop its own beta carotene-rich Golden Rice by 2013 that will potentially help address vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in the country.
“We target finishing by 2013 our on-going study on biosafety of the Golden Rice grain we’re developing,” PhilRice chief science research specialist Dr. Antonio Alfonso said Thursday on the side of a technical forum at Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ headquarters as part of this year’s National Biotechnology Week.
He said such study was essential to ensure that the Golden Rice grain that PhilRice and its partners are developing poses no threat to either people or the environment.
PhilRice will submit the results of the study to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) for review and possible approval, noted Alfonso who also heads the Golden Rice project.
BPI’s approval will pave the way for further studies on Golden Rice’s varietal performance, which includes yield and resistance to environmental stresses, as well as the grain’s bioefficacy in addressing VAD, he said.
“Such rice can be commercialized only after passing government scrutiny of its biosafety, varietal performance and bioefficacy, however,” he said.
Golden Rice is genetically modified rice grain containing beta carotene, a source of vitamin A.
Government continues its quest to develop local Golden Rice as available data show VAD remains a health challenge in the country.
Citing 2006 Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) data, PhilRice reported VAD afflicts four in 10 youngsters aged six months to five years as well as three in 10 school children nationwide.
The FNRI data also show VAD in one of five pregnant and breastfeeding women, PhilRice said.
Blindness and lower body resistance to infection are some results of VAD.
Among factors authorities cited for VAD’s prevalence in the Philippines is difficulty in bringing to remote areas government health programs, including the one on vitamin A fortification and supplementation.
“Rice is a staple food in our country so enriching it with beta carotene can help address VAD,” said Alfonso
