Gene editing
Gene (or genome) editing is an umbrella term for various techniques based in molecular biology used for introducing targeted changes in the genome of living organisms. These techniques are used for numerous reasons, including to breed new plant varieties, animal breeds and microbial strains for agricultural purposes. They can potentially be used to develop diverse traits to increase food production and quality, as well as contributing towards sustainability and climate change resilience. However, since these are innovative breeding techniques, they are also often subject to scrutiny by regulatory bodies worldwide.
There are currently four kinds of site-directed nucleases (SDNs) used in molecular biology: 1) meganucleases, 2) zinc‑finger nucleases, 3) transcription activator‑like effector nucleases (TALEN), and 4) clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) – CRISPR-associated (Cas) nucleases. The first two, meganucleases and zinc‑finger nucleases, have been used for gene editing since the 1990s. However, the advent of CRISPR-Cas nucleases in 2013 created an increase in gene editing research and applications, because their significant practical advantages enabled widespread use.
Food safety and gene editing
There are ongoing national and international discussions about the most appropriate forms of regulations to cover such techniques. Current policymaking efforts in this regard focus on the various technical issues, including food safety as one of the priority areas.
In 2023, FAO published the technical report, Gene editing and food safety – Technical considerations and potential relevance to the work of Codex Alimentarius. This report follows-up on the FAO issue paper, Gene editing and agrifood systems, published in 2022.
This technical report reviews the applications of gene editing for food production, including the applicability of existing Codex Alimentarius principles and guidelines for relevant food safety assessments. It also offers key considerations for developing and implementing policies and regulatory criteria for products derived from gene editing.
Finally, the report highlights areas where there are opportunities for national competent authorities to benefit from scientific advice, capacity development, knowledge transfers and information exchanges.
Gene editing and food safety. Technical considerations and potential relevance to the work of Codex Alimentarius
2023
Gene (or genome) editing includes specific techniques that make more precise changes in the genetic makeup of living organisms, including plants, animals...
Gene editing and agrifood systems
2022
Gene-editing technologies represent a promising new tool for plant and animal breeding in low- and middle-income countries. They enhance precision and...