GMO Debate Grows Over Golden Rice In The Philippines

Vitamin A deficiency is a deadly threat to kids and pregnant mothers in the Third World. In the Philippines, the best nutrient sources are rarely part of the daily diet, so researchers have tried adding vitamin A to rice, a staple food. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien investigates the debate that’s grown up over the development of golden rice, a genetically modified crop.

GWEN IFILL: Researchers believe they have found a way to add critical nutrients to rice, a dietary staple in countries like the Philippines.  But those changes tap directly into concerns over genetically modified food.  Science correspondent Miles O’Brien has a look at the high stakes in this fight...

MILES O’BRIEN: He may not be happy about it, but this megadose of vitamin A might save his vision or maybe his life.  Vitamin A deficiency is a pervasive and silent killer of malnourished children and pregnant mothers in the Third World.  

Each year, at least a half-million children and a few hundred thousand women go blind or die for lack of this crucial micronutrient.  The best sources of vitamin A, meats and leafy vegetable, expensive and often unavailable, are rarely part of the daily diet here.  That’s why people here in the Philippines are working to add vitamin A to the daily staple, rice...