Is golden rice being grown for human consumption?

No. While Golden Rice is an effective source of provitamin A [1] and therefore promises to save hundreds of thousands of children from unnecessary suffering the consequences of various diseases related to vitamin A deficiency (inluding death) [2], it is not yet grown commercially. For this the main reason given by one of the co-developers of Golden Rice are unjustified, costly and protracted regulatory requirements [3]. However, it is expected that over the coming years Golden Rice may finally be approved for cultivation in one or the other country in South or South-East Asia.

[1] Tang G, Qin J, Dolnikowski GG, Russell RM, Grusak MA (2009) Golden Rice is an effective source of vitamin A. Am J Clin Nutr 89: 1776-1783. Online available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.2008.27119 [2] Stein AJ, Sachdev HPS, Qaim M (2008) Genetic engineering for the poor: Golden Rice and public health in India. World Devel 36: 144-158. Online available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2007.02.013

[3] Potrykus I (2009) GMO-projects for public goods are faced with prohibitive conditions. Keynote speech at the 13th ICABR Conference, Ravello, June 18-20. Online available at: http://www.economia.uniroma2.it/icabr/sarea.php?p=5&sa=85