Just ran across this article from July of this year and was impressed. This
article discusses the fact that Martek was on the cover of the journal,
Science, for genetically engineering algae. I guess we are suppose to
believe that the algae they put in infant formula isn't genetically
engineered. Or are we to understand that the FDA is giving approval for
genetically engineered DHA for infant formula? Anyway let me see, how many
ingredients are genetically engineered in infant formula? I've lost count.
You know I wonder how all these ge'd ingredients mix together in a baby's
stomach? Maybe the FDA can explain to us the justification for approval of
this ingredient in infant formula? Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC
http://www.washtech.com/news/biotech/10900-1.html
"It was an FDA decision that pushed Martek Biosciences Corp. of Columbia into
the top 10 stocks for the quarter. Martek's stock nearly doubled during the
quarter, opening at $15.50 and closing Friday at $28.50.
The FDA approved the use in baby formula of Martek's pioneer products — two
nutritional oils that help prevent developmental problems in infants. The
oils, known by the initials DHA and ARA, occur naturally in breast milk.
Already used in infant formula sold in other countries, DHA and ARA are
expected to become widely used here, now that the FDA has ruled they are
"generally recognized as safe."
Martek has agreements to supply the oil to Mead Johnson, Abbott Laboratories
and American Home Products Corp., the three biggest makers of formula in the
United States. Their products utilizing Martek's nutritional supplements are
expected to be on the market by this fall, offered first in premium products
that cost 10 percent to 15 percent more than standard formula.
Martek's controller, Tom Feeley, said that because of the FDA decision,
Martek's revenue is projected to double, to $35 million to $40 million next
year from $18 million to $20 million this fiscal year. The company projects a
loss of about $12 million in the fiscal year ending in October, but it hopes
to be profitable by the end of the following year.
Though Martek's oils occur naturally in breast milk, the company makes its
commercial versions from algae.
Manufacturing products from algae is Martek's specialty. Last month, the
company made the cover of the journal Science with its breakthrough
technology using genetically-engineered algae.
Martek scientists took an algae that ordinarily demands light to grow — like
plain old pond scum — and tinkered with its genes so it could grow in total
darkness, drawing its energy from sugars.
Algae that need light have to be grown in what amount to high-tech ponds,
under intense illumination. But if those same algae can be reengineered to
prosper without light, they can be grown in simple tanks, a far cheaper
production technology."
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