Since the world's population is expected to double to more than 10 billion people by 2030, using biotechnology to increase crop yields for land currently in agricultural use will ensure a more secure sustainable agricultural future. Traits beneficial to humans could be added to plants. For example, corn, soybeans, canola, and other plants are being modified to reduce the saturated fat content of cooking oils derived from these plants. Potatoes are being modified to absorb less fat while frying. Rice is being produced with an improved protein profile to include higher levels of the essential amino acid, lysine.
Edible vaccines are under development.
The results showed promise for the treatment of intestinal diseases in developing nations, the article reported. Traits harmful to human health can be eliminated, too. For example, allergen-causing proteins can be removed from foods, including rice. Biotech foods have the potential to help lower food prices through future advances that can enhance the production, distribution, packaging, and handling of biotech food products. Biotech is providing new technologies for traditional production, such as brewing, baking and cheese making.