USDA to deregulate GE canola for altered oil profile from BASF Plant Science L.P.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is inviting public comment on a petition from BASF Plant Science L.P. (BASF) seeking deregulation of a canola variety genetically engineered (GE) to convert oleic acid to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), as well as for resistance to an imidazolinone herbicide. DHA and EPA are omega-3 fatty acids that support brain development and protect neurological function. BASF’s canola accumulates a substantially higher concentration of DHA and EPA in the seed oil compared to other conventional canola varieties. DHA and EPA have a long history of safe consumption in food and feed. The petition will be available for public review and comment for 60 days starting March 30, 2018.

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