Gene-edited food is now legal in England as the government has passed the gene editing act into law in England. As a result of this act, farmers will be able to apply precision breeding technology that can change the genetic code of plants and animals. This shift will be complex, though. The Food Standards Agency risk assessment for the safety of the food must be passed before the gene-edited food is released into the market. The new rule makes it possible to use gene editing in food for commercial purposes and opens the door for future use of other cutting-edge techniques.

Gene editing in England has been subject to the same severe regulation that has hindered the commercial development of GM crops under EU regulations. The provisions of this Act would establish a new science-based and simplified regulatory structure to promote increased research and innovation in precision breeding. At the same time, tougher rules will remain in place for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This Act authorizes the establishment of two notification systems: one for precision-bred organisms used in research and the other for sale.

According to scientists who favor the proposal, the new regulation will improve food production and bring employment and investment to England. Despite the fact that the government has welcomed the legislation and stated that it would put England at the forefront of this transformation and assist in ensuring improved food security. Both activists and consumers have criticized this law in equal measure. According to them, the shift might result in a “catastrophe” for the environment and our food production.

What is Gene Editing?

Gene editing is the process of making precise modifications to an organism’s DNA in order to improve specific features. Researchers may use gene editing to make precise genetic modifications to a plant’s DNA, such as inserting a gene to promote growth or lessen the need for fertilizer. Crossbreeding various types may accomplish the same result but take considerably longer.

What Are The Pros and Cons?

Gene editing will assist in accelerating greater food production to feed a larger population, as we are falling behind in this area. This new law, after which Gene-edited food is now legal in England, will make crucial technology available to increase agricultural resistance to climate change, decrease pesticide usage, and boost food security in the UK. With the aid of the Act, farmers will be able to produce animals that are immune to dangerous diseases, require less fertilizer and pesticides, and cultivate crops that are resistant to disease and drought.

It will also hasten the creation of hardier crops, which will be required due to climate change. Critics of genetically modified foods have raised the fear that gene-edited crops will not be subjected to the comprehensive testing needed of GM foods in the E. Genetic modification may potentially introduce poisons and allergies into the food chain.