Genetically edited bananas set to enter UK market under recent policy change
Genetically edited bananas that are designed to take longer to spoil are heading to English supermarkets, thanks to a recent shift in agricultural regulations. Enabled by the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023, these innovative crops are part of a broader effort to enhance food security in England.
This new law allows developers to sell precision-bred organisms in England starting November 13, while similar products remain restricted in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland due to devolved powers and ongoing safety concerns. The introduction of these crops marks a significant change in the agricultural landscape, with scientists and policy experts praising the potential benefits.
A boost for farmers and food security
Genetically edited foods, also known as precision-bred organisms, include a range of products aimed at improving food quality and resilience. In addition to bananas that resist browning, other innovations include strawberries with extended freshness, bread with reduced cancer-causing chemicals, disease-resistant potatoes, and sweeter lettuce. These developments are seen as a win for farmers, who can grow crops better equipped to handle unpredictable weather and plant diseases.
Daniel Zeichner, minister for food security and rural affairs, expressed optimism about the impact of precision breeding on the agricultural sector. He said, "Precision breeding could give Britain the power to create food that’s more nutritious, grow crops that can withstand our changing climate and plants that naturally resist disease – all essential for our farmers to thrive and for our nation’s food security."
Regulatory distinctions with the EU
The law signals a regulatory divergence from the European Union, which continues to classify genetically edited products in the same category as genetically modified organisms. The EU requires extensive safety assessments, traceability, and product labeling before genetically edited products are authorized for market entry. In contrast, England’s new framework facilitates a simpler approval process, with precision-bred foods not requiring specific labeling on the grounds that they are "fundamentally no different to regular food", according to experts.
Daniel Pearsall, co-ordinator of the Science for Sustainable Agriculture think-tank, praised the reforms, stating: "England is now ahead of every other European country in adopting more progressive regulations for these technologies. The first time in more than 30 years that new legislation has been brought forward in this country, which seeks to enable, rather than to further restrict, the use of genetic innovation in agriculture. We must capitalize on that advantage by promoting early adoption and application of gene editing technologies."
Public safety and confidence
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has established a system to ensure that precision-bred products meet safety requirements before reaching consumers. Dr. Thomas Vincent, the deputy director of innovation policy at the FSA, assured the public of the system’s rigor, saying, "We have developed a robust system for authorizing the sale of precision-bred products, so the public can be confident that any products that make it through the authorization process are safe to eat. This process gives businesses a clear route to market, supporting growth in the industry, while maintaining high safety standards."
What’s next for the UK market?
As the November launch date approaches, genetically edited bananas and other precision-bred crops are poised to reshape the UK’s agricultural sector. Experts believe the flexibility offered by the new law could help the country lead in food technology innovation, while addressing challenges such as climate change and global food security. The coming months will reveal how these advancements are received by consumers, farmers, and the broader supply chain.