- Norfolk-based firm Tropic Biosciences has developed a gene-edited banana that does not turn brown, using the CRISPR-Cas9 technique to alter three genes.
- The changes prevent the plant from producing polyphenol oxidase, allowing sliced bananas to retain their freshness for up to eight days.
- The Environment Secretary has approved a marketing notice for the banana, which must now undergo checks by the Food Standards Agency.
- Tropic Biosciences estimates that its non-browning bananas could reduce food waste and CO2 equivalent emissions along the supply chain by over 25 per cent.
- The fruit received regulation approval to be imported, sold and consumed in Brazil and Japan earlier this year.
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