UK Approves Gene-Edited Bananas to Combat Browning and Food Waste
The UK Environment Secretary has approved a marketing notice for gene-edited bananas that resist browning, marking a significant step for precision breeding in Britain. Developed by Norfolk-based Tropic Biosciences using CRISPR-Cas9, these bananas have three genes tweaked to disable the polyphenol oxidase enzyme, which causes fruit to brown when damaged or aged. This modification extends shelf life by up to 24 hours after peeling and reduces bruising during transport. Defra estimates that browning accounts for 20% of banana yield losses, with 1.4 million edible bananas discarded annually by UK households. If the Food Standards Agency clears the product for safety, these bananas will be sold in England without special labeling, as gene editing is distinct from genetic modification under the Precision Breeding Act 2022. The approval follows similar green lights for other crops, including vitamin D-rich tomatoes and disease-resistant potatoes, reflecting post-Brexit regulatory shifts that prioritize bioscience innovation over stricter EU rules.