April 1, 2008

Research confirms better oil from new DuPont high oleic soy trait

Press Release
 

New oil testing results confirm a new, improved soy oil trait from DuPont will deliver increased nutritional benefits with broader applications than other soy oil products currently on the market.

The high oleic soy oil trait is the next generation of improved oil products developed by DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred as part of the Bunge DuPont Biotech Alliance.

''We are breaking ground on a new oil product that will bring more nutritional benefits to consumers and better performance to the food industry,'' said William S. Niebur, DuPont vice president, Crop Genetics Research and Development.''These positive research results bring us one step closer to delivering the first biotech product with direct consumer benefits.''

New oil testing results from high oleic soy produced in 2007 confirm that the oil contains at least 80 percent oleic acid, significantly increasing the stability of the oil when used in frying and food processing. Like low linolenic soy oil, high oleic soy oil eliminates the need for hydrogenation, resulting in foods with negligible amounts of trans fats.

High oleic soy oil also presents opportunities for transportation and industrial applications. The oil's high stability will allow companies to develop renewable, environmentally sustainable options to petroleum-based products.

''The high oleic soy oil trait will deliver enhanced nutrition, sustainability and functionality,'' Niebur said. ''We are very excited to bring a superior product to market that will help meet the growing demand for nutritionally improved oils and provide valuable contracting opportunities for farmers.''

In addition to delivering at least 80 percent oleic acid, the high oleic soy oil trait has consistently demonstrated a linolenic acid content of less than 3 percent, and over 20 percent less saturated fatty acids than commodity soy oil.

The oil will be available to food companies for testing following the 2008 growing season. This will allow food industry customers to conduct independent high oleic soy oil testing in advance of commercial quantities being available after the 2009 soy harvest.

The high oleic soy oil produced from Pioneer(R) brand soy varieties will be marketed as TREUS(R) High Oleic Soy Oil. The high oleic soy oil trait is on track for 2009 commercial introduction in the US, pending regulatory approvals.