New Global Food Source - New Cotton Plant

New Cottonseed Just Approved by FDA Regulators

Source:  Texas A&M Cotton Plants

Protein Packed & Hoped to Alleviate Global Malnutrition

This is a remarkable, new, genetically altered cotton plant developed by scientists at Texas A&M University.  US regulators at the Food and Drug Administration have just approved the genetically modified cottonseed from the plant for human consumption and also for any type of animal consumption.  The new plant is being called a protein packed new food source.  It's said to taste like chickpeas.

Helping to Feed the World

Developers say it could help address global malnutrition.  The Texas A&M research team is talking with companies and expects to have the new plant commercialized and available within 5 years.  They are also working on regulatory approvals in other countries like Mexico.

New Cotton Plant

The key to the scientists' success is what's called RNA interference technology.  That silenced and eliminated a toxic chemical in cottonseed that made it unfit as a food source for humans. Developers says this new cottonseed grounded into flour could deliver protein to millions - perhaps a half billion hungry people- around the world.  It took the Texas A&M team more than 2 decades to develop this.