Biotech Updates

USDA Approves GM Rice in Kansas

May 25, 2007

Ventra Bioscience has been given permission by the Agriculture Department to plant genetically modified rice that contains human proteins near Junction City, Kansas.  Kansas officials, including Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, have given their support to the project. The rice strains made by Ventria Bioscience produce lysozyme, lactoferrin and human serum albumin in their seeds. All three are commonly found in breast milk. The company says that they aim to use the rice to create drinks that can combat diarrhea, and dietary supplements to help reverse anemia. The USA Rice Foundation, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and the Center for Food Safety, however, opposed the plan due to the potential risk of contamination of the commercial rice supply.

The news is available at  http://www.agriculture.com/ag/futuresource/FutureSourceStoryIndex.jhtml?storyId=91800608 and http://www.nature.com/news/2007/070514/full/070514-17.html.