First of two parts
OF late, there have been a number of controversies regarding the use of golden Rice for human consumption. For the last two years, researchers at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) have been conducting trials to prove Golden Rice as a potential means to combat vitamin A deficiency (VAD).
However, several environmentalists have also been opposing the trials, as well as the promotion, of Golden Rice, saying it is harmful to both humans and environment.
In an exclusive interview with Oryza, a web site that discusses issues on rice, Dr. Antonio Alfonso, project leader and chief science research specialist at PhilRice and director of the Department of Agriculture Biotechnology Program, has shared a number of issues relating to the ongoing trials on breeding of Golden Rice, as well as cleared several doubts regarding its efficacy and safety to humans and the environment.
Excerpts from the interview:
Oryza: We have been hearing several contradictory facts about the Golden Rice. While advocates of the Golden Rice say it is one of the best ways to conquer vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in children and pregnant women, opponents say it would impact environment and human health eventually. What are your comments?
Dr. Antonio Alfonso: They are entitled to their own opinion of Golden Rice. In our case, we base our statements on results of scientific studies, particularly our own studies here in the Philippines, which are meant to answer concerns on efficacy and safety. What we have consistently said is that Golden Rice is a potential new food-based approach to improve vitamin A status. And based on initial results, the content of beta-carotene and its conversion rate to vitamin A in the body are showing huge potential. Regarding environmental and health safety, we are studying these important aspects following the Philippines’s strict approval process for genetically modified products and, so far, results are very promising. Our credibility as a scientific organization is at stake here so PhilRice will make sure that Golden Rice is not only effective (efficacious) but safe as well.
You and your team at PhilRice have been testing Golden Rice to prove that it is indeed safe for the environment and human health. What are the major challenges you have faced in this process? What are your observations?
As a scientific organization, it is very important to us that Golden Rice is safe to human health and the environment, which is why we have to conduct all the required trials and pass the strict approval process in our country.
So far, the results of the trials have shown that Golden Rice is safe to the environment in terms of reaction to pests, weeds and other environmental entities.
On its effect to human health, what we currently know is that: first, beta-carotene has been declared as a safe source of vitamin A; second, that the novel proteins in Golden Rice are non-allergenic and nontoxic; and, third, there is no evidence that consuming beta-carotene in any amount from foods leads to vitamin A overdose or toxicity.
We have always been challenged by others on these issues to the point that one of our trials having been uprooted. However, we can assure the public that Golden Rice will be made available to farmers and consumers only after it has been determined to be safe for humans, animals and the environment, and it has been authorized for propagation and consumption by the appropriate regulatory authorities.
In other words, Golden Rice, if and when released, will be deemed to be as safe as other (varieties of) rice that we plant and eat.
What testing methods did you adopt? In the sense, on whom are you testing the Golden Rice?
At all stages in developing Golden Rice, we are following a rigid and well-established Philippine bio-safety guideline, which is based on internationally accepted standards.
Golden Rice undergoes a tiered, step-wise and science-based evaluation process for food, feed and processing, and for environmental safety for commercial propagation.
You have started the testing process in March 2012 with a two-year time frame. After two years, at what stage is the testing process, and how long would it take to complete the remaining field trials and commercialize Golden Rice?
We are happy to note that based on the results of our trials, the level of beta-carotene production in Golden Rice is high and stable across sites and locations. We are now working on improving the yield of Golden Rice to make it comparable to rice (varieties) commonly planted by Filipino farmers. Golden Rice must be acceptable to both farmers and consumers. We appreciate the sentiments of those calling for a more rapid introduction of Golden Rice, but these recent developments will result in a delay in the timeline. Adjustments in the research process are a normal part of product development, and we are still assessing the extent of this delay. An updated timeline will be shared as soon as it becomes available. Oryza.com
To be concluded
Image credits: IRR