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The first research samples of pro-Vitamin A enriched 'Golden Rice' have arrived in the region. The genetically modified rice, which contains beta-carotene and other carotenoids, arrived at the Philippine based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) on Friday, January 19, 2001. IRRI scientists will now begin work that will play a key role in an international effort to further investigate the safety and utility of 'Golden Rice' in combating Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD), which is responsible for 500,000 cases of irreversible blindness and 1-2 million deaths worldwide each year. The arrival of these initial samples at IRRI is a very significant step and allows us to finally start on the required testing processes using local rice varieties. IRRI expects to play a major role in the ongoing 'Golden Rice' research effort and its eventual introduction to the world's millions of poor rice farmers and consumers. |