Research Confirms Better Oil from New DuPont High Oleic Soybean Trait

19/03/08 New oil testing results confirm a new, improved soybean oil trait from DuPont will deliver increased nutritional benefits with broader applications than other soybean oil products currently on the market. The high oleic soybean oil trait is the next generation of improved oil products developed by DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred as part of the Bunge DuPont Biotech Alliance.

"We are breaking ground on a new oil product that will bring more nutritional benefits to consumers and better performance to the food industry," said William S. Niebur, DuPont vice president, Crop Genetics Research and Development. "These positive research results bring us one step closer to delivering the first biotech product with direct consumer benefits."

New oil testing results from high oleic soybeans produced in 2007 confirm that the oil contains at least 80 percent oleic acid, significantly increasing the stability of the oil when used in frying and food processing. Like low linolenic soybean oil, high oleic soybean oil eliminates the need for hydrogenation, resulting in foods with negligible amounts of trans fats.

High oleic soybean oil also presents opportunities for transportation and industrial applications. The oil's high stability will allow companies to develop renewable, environmentally sustainable options to petroleum-based products.

"The high oleic soybean oil trait will deliver enhanced nutrition, sustainability and functionality," Niebur said. "We are very excited to bring a superior product to market that will help meet the growing demand for nutritionally improved oils and provide valuable contracting opportunities for farmers."

In addition to delivering at least 80 percent oleic acid, the high oleic soybean oil trait has consistently demonstrated a linolenic acid content of less than 3 percent, and over 20 percent less saturated fatty acids than commodity soybean oil.
 
The oil will be available to food companies for testing following the 2008 growing season. This will allow food industry customers to conduct independent high oleic soybean oil testing in advance of commercial quantities being available after the 2009 soybean harvest.

The high oleic soybean oil produced from Pioneer brand soybean varieties will be marketed as TREUS High Oleic Soybean Oil. The TREUS brand name represents the industry-leading family of soy products developed as part of the Bunge DuPont Biotech Alliance. The high oleic soybean oil trait is on track for 2009 commercial introduction in the United States, pending regulatory approvals.