Group denounce Golden Rice approval
A GROUP of farmers and scientists expressed disappointment over the approval of the biosafety permit of Golden Rice despite health issues related to its consumption. “We are appalled that the approval has pushed through despite the numerous unresolved issues that MASIPAG and many other organizations are raising regarding Golden Rice, mainly on its safety and long-term effects on children, women and other consumers,” Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG) Chairman of the Board Elpidio E. Paglumotan said in a statement on Thursday. MASIPAG is a farmer-led group of people’s organizations, non-government organizations, and scientists, which promotes the welfare of the country’s farmers. The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), has approved the commercial use of Golden Rice as food, feed, or for processing (FFP). Golden rice, a variety produced through genetic engineering, aims to provide 30%–50% of the estimated average requirement of Vitamin A of the body. “With this FFP approval, we bring forward a very accessible solution to our country’s problem on Vitamin A deficiency that’s affecting many of our pre-school children and pregnant women,” Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Executive Director Dr. John C. de Leon said in a statement on Wednesday. PhilRice, which applied for the permit in 2017 to be able to conduct field trials, and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have been pushing for the commercial use of Golden Rice. However, groups protesting against the variety have noted that beta-carotene, which is contained by the rice variant and is being converted to Vitamin A by the human body, degrades fast after harvesting and processing. A study by the Indian government showed that 84% of the beta-carotene in Golden Rice can be lost unless vacuum-packed and refrigerated. High temperature and humidity also leads to degradation of the antioxidant, while cooking will lead to a 25% loss of beta-carotene. “Proponents have failed to address concerns on the Golden Rice’s negligible beta-carotene content, its fast degradation and the possible toxicity associated with the beta-carotene degradation,” MASIPAG National Coordinator Cris Panerio said. The group also said that the lack of transparency and speed of approval of its permit shows the “desperation” of the concerned agencies to bring in the rice variety. — Vincent Mariel P. Galang
