Food & Climate
The UK is on the cusp of a significant transformation in its food system, as gene-edited foods included fruits and vegetables are poised to enter supermarket shelves by late 2026.
The House of Lords approved a motion on May 6 to allow precision bred and gene edited fruits and vegetables in the UK, according to “the standard”.
MPs are now also pressing the government to pass legislation to allow gene-edited meat, which could curb the risk of bird flu.
This came after the bill has already passed through the House of Commons.
It’s understood that these gene-edited foods will hopefully allow British consumers to benefit from healthier food with a lower environmental impact.
This development follows the anticipated passage of secondary legislation under the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act, already enacted in 2023.
The forthcoming regulations will permit the commercial sale of precision-bred crops cultivated in England or imported from abroad, according to a report seen by “Food & Climate” platform.
Unlike traditional genetically modified organisms (GMOs), gene editing involves precise modifications to an organism’s existing DNA without introducing foreign genes.
Tomatoes with vitamin D
Techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 enable scientists to deactivate or alter specific genes, enhancing desirable traits such as shelf life, nutritional content, and disease resistance. For instance, Tropic Biosciences, a Norwich-based biotech firm, has developed a non-browning banana by disabling the gene responsible for the browning enzyme polyphenol oxidase. This innovation aims to significantly reduce food waste by extending the fruit’s freshness.
Similarly, US-based company Simplot has engineered a strawberry with an extended shelf life of up to three weeks, offering consumers longer-lasting freshness.
The John Innes Centre, a research institute in Norwich, has developed a tomato using precision breeding with a high amount of vitamin D in the fruit and leaves.
Other crops could include virus-resistant sugar beets, which may help to reduce neonicotinoid pesticides and yield losses that cost the sector £67 million in 2020.
These advancements promise not only to reduce food waste but also to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with food spoilage.
Supporting gene-edited food innovations
Public sentiment in the UK appears to support gene-edited foods innovations. A recent survey conducted by British Sugar found that 69% of UK adults strongly support gene editing to create a sustainable and resilient future for British farming. Notably, 80% of Gen Z respondents expressed support for the technology, citing sustainability and affordability as key motivators.
However, the introduction of gene-edited foods is not without controversy. Critics have raised concerns about the lack of mandatory labeling for these products, arguing that consumers have the right to know how their food is produced.
Additionally, while England embraces the technology, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland remain hesitant, leading to potential trade and regulatory complexities within the UK.
Despite these challenges, the UK government’s commitment to advancing gene editing in agriculture reflects a broader strategy to enhance food security, promote sustainability, and position the country as a leader in agri-food innovation. As the legislation progresses, it will be crucial to address public concerns, ensure transparent communication, and establish robust regulatory frameworks to oversee the development and sale of gene-edited foods.
Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner said in a statement to The Independent: “Precision breeding is a real chance to transform how we grow crops here in England.
“We can turbo charge the natural breeding process our farmers have used for generations to create food that’s more nutritious, crops that can withstand our changing climate, and plants that naturally resist disease”, he continued. “This is essential for our farmers to thrive and for our nation’s food security. That’s exactly why this legislation matters.
“This isn’t about abstract science – research trials are already delivering, from tomatoes with high levels of vitamin D to sugar beet that is less reliant on pesticides.”
Mr Zeichner added: “It’s really exciting that innovations that once took decades could now reach our fields and ultimately our plates in just a few years, and delivering on our promise of sustainable economic growth.
“This isn’t just good news for our farming communities but our thriving science and research sector will benefit too, positioning us at the forefront of cutting-edge technology across the world.”