July 14, 2010

DuPont's high oleic soy gets USDA approval

DuPont obtains USDA confirmation that its Plenishâ„¢ high oleic soy trait has been approved for US cultivation.

DuPont's Plenishâ„¢ high oleic soy contains the highest oleic acid content (more than 75%) of any soy product under commercial development. This significantly increases the stability of the oil and provides greater flexibility in food applications, and yields a product with zero gram trans fat. Plenishâ„¢ high oleic soyoil also has 20% less saturated fat than commodity soyoil, making it a more attractive ingredient for consumer food products.

This high oleic soyoil also presents opportunities for industrial applications. The high heat stability of this oil in industrial settings allows companies to develop renewable, environmentally enhanced alternatives to petroleum-based products such as lubricants, foams and adhesives.

Pioneer will launch the high oleic soy trait in its industry-leading line-up of Pioneer® brand Y Series soy varieties, and field testing has confirmed yields on par with elite commercial products. Plenish™ high oleic soy will be grown under contract for ongoing field and oil testing in the US and Canada in 2010 and 2011. Full commercialisation of the trait is anticipated in 2012, upon global regulatory approvals and ongoing field testing.

The first countries to complete regulatory reviews of the Plenishâ„¢ high oleic soy trait were Canada and Mexico. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) completed its review of Plenishâ„¢ high oleic soy in 2009 and this announcement from the USDA allows Plenishâ„¢ high oleic soy to be grown under contract for ongoing field testing in the US and additional oil testing by major oil processors and food companies. Regulatory submissions for the trait also have been submitted to key soy importing countries around the world.