Oilseed technology moves to the markets in St. Louis

Via Agnet
November 28, 2005 St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The story explains that this fall, contract farmers harvested the first commercial crop -- 100,000 acres of Vistive soybeans [non treansgenic GMO Pundit], bred by Monsanto to contain a reduced level of linolenic acid. This change makes the soybean oil more stable, so it doesn't need to be partially hydrogenated for longer shelf life. Partial hydrogenation creates unhealthy trans fats. The oil will be in some consumer products by Jan. 1, when a new government regulation requires trans fat content to be included on food labels, Monsanto said.
Soybeans genetically modified to contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which improve heart health and may have other benefits such as reducing swelling in arthritis. Later versions of Vistive soybeans, genetically modified for further oil profile improvements -- making the oil stable for baking uses; and adding oleic acid, a healthy monounsaturated fat that boosts good HDL cholesterol.
Fraley was further cited as saying Monsanto will begin marketing these food offerings at the same time it introduces a next generation of beneficial agronomic traits in soybeans, corn, cotton and canola, adding, "We are entering an exponential phase of research and development discovery. l'm excited because this is absolutely an unparalleled pipeline in our history."


See later Posts
http://gmopundit.blogspot.com/2005/12/dietary-worries-about-potential-killer.html
http://gmopundit.blogspot.com/2005/12/omega-3-fats-are-good-for-several.html