Gene-edited bananas with extended shelf life gain UK marketing approval

UK approves gene-edited bananas that resist browning for 1-2 extra days when chilled

Gene-edited bananas that resist browning for 1-2 additional days when chilled have received UK marketing approval as of September 2026, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Developed by Norwich-based Tropic using CRISPR-Cas9, these precision-bred bananas are cultivated in Latin America and approved for sale in 10 countries including Japan, Brazil, and the Philippines. The Food Standards Agency confirms they contain no DNA from unrelated species.

The innovation extends shelf life by preventing browning after peeling, potentially reducing food waste in supply chains. Tropic claims this could lower food waste and CO2 emissions by more than 25% along supply chains, supporting an annual reduction of over 9 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent in banana exports. However, the Food Standards Agency’s safety review remains pending, and Tropic’s figures require independent verification.

For SUSTENANCE, this development addresses food waste—a critical barrier to food security. If validated, longer shelf life could reduce post-harvest losses and lower food costs for consumers. But without confirmed safety and waste reduction metrics, the impact on abundance remains speculative. Next steps include completing Food Standards Agency review and independent validation of Tropic’s environmental claims.

Source: Guardian