Golden Rice bags int’l food safety nod

The controversial Golden Rice, which is still being pushed in the Philippines, got a positive evaluation from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), concurring the variety’s safety and nutrition.

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) said the provitamin-A biofortified rice variety has completed its food safety evaluation from the USFDA, its third international nod after approvals from the Food Standards Australia New Zealand and Health Canada earlier this year.

“Each regulatory application that Golden Rice completes with national regulatory agencies takes us one step closer to bringing it to the people who need it the most,” IRRI director general Matthew Morell said.

“The rigorous safety standards observed by the US FDA and other agencies provide a model for decisionmaking in all countries wishing to reap the benefits of Golden Rice,” he added.

The Philippines, through the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) continue to develop high-yielding inbred local rice varieties with the beta-carotene producing GR2E Golden Rice trait.

Currently, Golden Rice is undergoing review for field trial and food, feed, and/or processing applications in the country.

“Our research is fully compliant with the country’s stringent regulatory procedures, and we are very optimistic that our application will be approved. Regulatory approval is a necessary step in the research process, as it enables us to continue research to ensure Golden Rice is safe and efficacious,” PhilRice Healthier Rice Project leader Reynante Ordonio said.