Dec 22 2011 --- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it has deregulated the biotech trait, MON 87705, in Monsanto’s Vistive Gold soybeans. The improved soybeans produce soybean oil with increased levels of monounsaturated fat while significantly lowering saturated fat.

“With the availability of Vistive Gold soybeans, farmers will soon be able to deliver an economical and sustainable source of nutritionally improved soybean oil to consumers and food companies,” said Joe Cornelius, Monsanto global technology lead for food quality traits. “Vistive Gold soybeans are a breakthrough innovation that represent years of collaboration across the food supply chain. Monsanto worked closely with the food industry, health and nutrition communities and agricultural sector to bring a biotechnology trait with direct consumer benefit. The result, Vistive Gold soybeans, is one step closer to reality with the recent USDA deregulation.”

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans calls for the reduction of solid fat, including saturated fat and trans fat, in the diet. Vistive Gold soybean oil will provide food companies an option to further reduce saturated fat and maintain zero trans fat in a range of food products. Vistive Gold soybean oil has 60 percent less saturated fat with significantly increased monounsaturated fat, which leads to substantially improved oil stability, compared with conventional soybean oil. Because of the increased stability, Vistive Gold soybean oil does not have to be hydrogenated, and, therefore, does not contain trans fat.

“Consumers want to reduce saturated and trans fats in their diets, but they find it challenging to abandon favorite fried and baked foods,” said Mary Lee Chin, MS, RD, President, Nutrition Edge Communications. “Vistive Gold soybean oil, high in monounsaturated fat--which is recommended as a replacement for solid fat--offers nutritional benefits while allowing consumers to enjoy the foods they love.”

Vistive Gold soybean oil also provides the flavor quality that consumers expect.

In addition to the consumer and food company benefits, Vistive Gold is also an important innovation that will enhance demand for U.S.-produced soybeans. The Vistive Gold trait will be stacked with the Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield trait, providing farmers with soybean varieties that deliver outstanding agronomic and yield performance.

The USDA deregulation of MON 87705 completes the regulatory processes in the United States, allowing for field testing and seed production to take place within the United States. All field tests and seed production will be conducted under strict stewardship guidelines until Monsanto has obtained the necessary regulatory approvals in the key soybean export markets. The Food and Drug Administration completed the consultation process in January 2011. The trait has also been approved for use in Canada.