ST. LOUIS — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has deregulated the biotech trait, MON 87705, in Monsanto’s Vistive Gold soybeans. The soybeans may be used to produce Vistive Gold soybean oil that provides food companies an option to further reduce saturated fat and maintain zero trans fat in a range of food products, according to St. Louis-based Monsanto.

The deregulation completes the regulatory process in the United States and allows for field testing and seed production to take place within the country.

“With the availability of Vistive Gold soybeans, farmers will soon be able to deliver an economical and sustainable source of nutritionally improved soybean oil to consumers and food companies,” said Joe Cornelius, global technology lead for food quality traits for Monsanto. “Vistive Gold soybeans are a breakthrough innovation that represent years of collaboration across the food supply chain.

“Monsanto worked closely with the food industry, health and nutrition communities and across the agricultural sector to bring a biotechnology trait with direct consumer benefit. The result, Vistive Gold soybeans, is one step closer to reality with the recent U.S.D.A. deregulation.”

Vistive Gold soybeans are 75% oleic acid, which means the soybean oil produced from the soybeans offers more stability. Compared to conventional soybean oil, Vistive Gold soybean oil has 60% less saturated fat. It does not have to be hydrogenated, which means it contains no trans fat.