The European Commission on Dec. 22, 2017, authorized the use of the stacked traits found in Pioneer brand Plenish high-oleic soybeans for food and feed. The authorization followed China’s authorization last June of importing Monsanto’s Vistive Gold high-oleic soybeans.

Richard Galloway, an oils expert for Qualisoy

“Obtaining full global regulatory approval is key for the entire soybean value chain as it will boost Plenish and Vistive Gold soybean acreage,” said Richard Galloway, an oils expert for Qualisoy, an independent third-party collaboration that promotes the development of and helps build the market for enhanced soybean oils, including high-oleic soybean oil. “This will allow the industry to reach its goal of planting 18 million high-oleic soybean acres, resulting in 9 billion pounds of high-oleic soybean oil. In the coming decade, high-oleic soybeans will become the fourth-largest grain and oilseed crop in the U.S.”

High-oleic soybean oil contains 0 grams of trans fat per serving and lower saturated fat content when compared to conventional soybean oil. High-oleic soybean oil offers shelf life and neutral flavor benefits to food manufacturers, according to Qualisoy. The food service industry may benefit from its functionality, fry life and reduced build-up of polymers on equipment.