China approves safety of GE soya with raised oleic level

The Chinese government has approved the safety of a gene-edited (GE) soyabean with increased levels of oleic acid, Reuters reported on 4 May.

Developed by privately-owned Shandong Shunfeng Biotechnology, the soyabean had two modified genes, significantly raising the level of oleic acid in the plant.

According to a document published at the end of April by the country’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the approval was for five years from 21 April.

Unlike genetic modification (GM), which introduces foreign genes into a plant, gene editing technology alters existing genes.

China published rules on GE last year and Shunfeng claimed to be the first company in China seeking to commercial- ise GE crops, Reuters wrote. The company was researching around 20 other GE crops, including higher yield corn, rice and wheat, herbicide-resistant rice and soyabeans, and vitamin C-rich lettuce.

Additional steps were needed before Chinese farmers could plant GE soyabeans, including approvals of seed varieties, Reuters wrote.