DEVELOPING PRODUCTS
Golden Rice is rice that has been genetically modified to carry beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A. One of the most detrimental micronutrient deficiencies in the world is vitamin A deficiency (VAD). VAD is characterized primarily by impaired vision along with reduced immune response, stunted skeletal growth, and impaired hematopoiesis (production of blood cells and platelets). This disorder is prevalent among the poor in developing countries such as those in Africa and Southeastern Asia. Although Golden Rice, invented in the 1990s, has the potential to combat VAD, the reason for its absence from the market is the controversy over whether or not golden rice contains enough vitamin A to be effective. Thus, Golden Rice 2 was developed with ever higher beta-carotene content in 2005, but critics continue to attack it. It is still being tested in the Philippines since 2012.
Arctic Apples are a genetically modified variety of Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples. Engineered by Okanagan Specialty Fruits, Arctic Apples are more resistant to bruising and brown slower than regular apples. This has been done by turning off the gene that codes for a protein called polyphenol oxidase which is responsible for browning. Arctic Apples have been approved of by the USDA and are expected to become commercially available in 2017.
Innate Potato varieties were created by J.R. Simplot, modified to slow the browning process after being cut. These potatoes have also been engineered to contain less acrylamide, a chemical that is produced during the frying process and has shown potentially carcinogenic qualities.
GOLDEN RICE
ARCTIC APPLE
INNATE POTATO
