Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum and G. barbadense)

This chapter, prepared by the OECD Task Force for the Safety of Novel Foods and Feeds with the United States as the lead country, deals with the composition of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum and G. barbadense). It contains elements that can be used in a comparative approach as part of a safety assessment of foods and feeds derived from new varieties. Background is given on the production and processing of cotton and derived products (fibres, oil, linters, hulls and meal), followed by appropriate varietal comparators and characteristics screened by breeders. Nutrients and anti-nutrients are then detailed for the whole cottonseed and its main products. The final sections suggest key products and constituents for analysis of new varieties for food use and for feed use.