The researchers of John Inns Center of Norwich, England, modified the genome of tomatoes to block the production of a certain enzyme, causing provitamin D3 to accumulate in the plants. When these are exposed to ultraviolet light, provitamin D3 turns into vitamin D. Now, just one tomato can provide around 20% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin D. GMO foods like this and others have just been legalized in the UK.
The food “Brexit”.
Until now, growing and marketing these products has been nearly impossible due to European Union restrictions on GMO foods. Since Brexit, however, the United Kingdom has taken a completely different path.
The British government has introduced legislation to facilitate research and cultivation of genetically modified plants, with the stated aim of having as early as next year genetically modified products on supermarket shelves.
GMO foods, possible benefits and risks
Of course, innovations "cleared" by UK laws could bring benefits to growers, consumers and even the environment. In addition to creating more nutritious foods, gene editing can increase agricultural production in many ways. It can reduce the use of insecticides and fertilizers, it can produce crops that are more resistant to climate change, and other benefits are still being studied.
Curiously, the tomato is the most studied vegetable: in addition to the one in the English study, there is a "purple" one approved last year by the FDA after 10 years of experimentation and observations. Contains anthocyanins in quantity, and was born to fight cancer. In Cambridge, however, they have been ready for 8 years also a potato with a more solid structure, which does not "dent" and therefore rots less.
At the same time, the technique of gene editing and the advent of GMO foods still raise concerns about its long-term effects on humans. Around a third of British adults believe genetically modified food is unsafe.
The problems linked to the possible export, trade and labeling of these genetically modified products must also be considered, especially within the European single market.
In essence
However you think, the legalization of GMO foods in the UK is a historical fact (here you can read the text of the law on the British Parliament website). Scientists and researchers have a key role in making the public understand the benefits (and safety) of gene editing. If they can demonstrate that the use of these techniques can lead to healthier and more sustainable products, they will overcome negative perceptions.
A non-negligible factor, considering that the EU is also planning to liberalize the rules on GMO foods. The bill is scheduled for mid-2023: what about you? What will you do? Will you put them on the table, will you refuse or will you wait a bit to see how it goes?
Let us know on the Futuro Prossimo social channels.
