Monsanto, leading the charge toward the world’s conversion to genetically modified food, has found a new market for its products.
Starting January 1, 2006, food manufacturers will be required to disclose their use of trans fats in foods, a process that changes the character of oils and has been linked to a variety of human diseases.
Monsanto says its new soybean can reduce or eliminate trans fats in processed soy oil, one of most common ingredients in a wide range of food products. U.S. consumption of soybean oil exceeds 18 million pounds annually, according to Monsanto officials.
They say the legume is Roundup Ready – able to withstand application of Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide – even though it has not been genetically modified.
Bob Scowcroft, executive director of the Organic Farming Research Foundation in Santa Cruz, CA., says, “It’s a consumer beware situation since Roundup Ready is a trademarked trait.” Christopher Horner, a Monsanto spokesperson explains the bean is bred by conventional means using soybeans that are already Roundup Ready. He points to the fact that 80-plus percent of soybeans in U.S. are Roundup Ready.
Monsanto’s new bean has less than 3 percent linolenic acid, compared with 8 percent in other soybeans. The oil that results is more stable and therefore lowers the need for hydrogenation, the company says. The soybean will be the first crop marketed under Monsanto’s VISTIVE brand, a line of products offering direct consumer benefits.
Iowa growers will be the first to test the new bean this year. Growers will be paid a premium for VISTIVE beans by processors who will crush the grain, refine the oil and market it to food companies.
Starting January 1, 2006, food manufacturers will be required to disclose their use of trans fats in foods, a process that changes the character of oils and has been linked to a variety of human diseases.
Monsanto says its new soybean can reduce or eliminate trans fats in processed soy oil, one of most common ingredients in a wide range of food products. U.S. consumption of soybean oil exceeds 18 million pounds annually, according to Monsanto officials.
They say the legume is Roundup Ready – able to withstand application of Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide – even though it has not been genetically modified.
Bob Scowcroft, executive director of the Organic Farming Research Foundation in Santa Cruz, CA., says, “It’s a consumer beware situation since Roundup Ready is a trademarked trait.” Christopher Horner, a Monsanto spokesperson explains the bean is bred by conventional means using soybeans that are already Roundup Ready. He points to the fact that 80-plus percent of soybeans in U.S. are Roundup Ready.
Monsanto’s new bean has less than 3 percent linolenic acid, compared with 8 percent in other soybeans. The oil that results is more stable and therefore lowers the need for hydrogenation, the company says. The soybean will be the first crop marketed under Monsanto’s VISTIVE brand, a line of products offering direct consumer benefits.
Iowa growers will be the first to test the new bean this year. Growers will be paid a premium for VISTIVE beans by processors who will crush the grain, refine the oil and market it to food companies.
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