ANAHEIM, CALIF. – DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred launched Plenish brand high-oleic soybean oil at the Institute of Food Technologists’ annual meeting and food exposition in Anaheim. The varieties are on track for U.S. introduction in 2009, pending regulatory approval and ongoing field testing.

"High-oleic soybean oil is a perfect fit for food companies looking to meet consumer demands for zero trans fat with a functionally superior oil that offers high oxidative and heat stability," said Susan Knowlton, DuPont scientist. "Plenish high-oleic soybean oil provides the stability and performance of partially hydrogenated oil without the trans fat and lower saturated fats."

Testing in 2007 and 2008 confirmed Plenish contains about 80% oleic acid and has less saturated fat, including 40% less palmitic acid, than commodity soybean oil. It has 75% less saturated fat than palm oil.

The Plenish high-oleic soybean oil trait received Canadian regulatory approval in May. Pioneer completed U.S. regulatory submissions for approval of the trait in December 2006. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration completed its review of Plenish earlier this year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is reviewing the trait.