據了解，這種轉基因大米源自轉基因水稻品種GR2E，經過轉基因技術改進后，大米中維生素A原（主要為β-胡蘿卜素）含量大幅增加。發(fā)展中國家種植該水稻，有助于降低維生素A缺乏癥的發(fā)病率。
部分原文報道如下：
Food Standards Australia New Zealand （FSANZ） received an Application from the International Rice Research Institute on 16 November 2016. The Applicant requested a variation to Schedule 26 in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code （the Code） to include food from a new genetically modified （GM） rice （Oryza sativa） line, GR2E. This rice line has been genetically modified to produce beta （β）-carotene （the predominant form of provitamin A） and other minor provitamin A carotenoids in the endosperm of the rice grain.
GR2E is a new food crop designed to mitigate vitamin A deficiency in developing countries. GR2E is not intended to be used in the Australian or New Zealand food supplies. Approving this crop will prevent trade disruption should GR2E be inadvertently present in imported shipments of milled rice.
