The tomato variety developed by a Japanese startup contains five times the normal level of GABA and is believed to help reduce stress.
The world’s first CRISPR gene-edited food to hit the market is a tomato in Japan, reported IFL Science on September 30. The gene-edited seedlings of the Sicilian Rouge High GABA variety, developed by the startup Sanatech Seed, were sold to farmers earlier this year, with 4,200 buyers. The tomatoes are now ripe and ready for sale.
CRISPR gene-edited tomatoes sold in Japan. (Photo: Sanatech Seed)
Initially, Sanatech Seed planned to sell pureed tomatoes. However, they shifted to selling whole tomatoes ahead of schedule due to numerous requests.
The tomato marks the beginning of a series of gene-edited fruits and vegetables, with many more products expected to emerge in the future. “As a seed company utilizing gene-editing technology, we are very pleased with both producers and consumers. We will continue to develop new varieties for enjoyment,” said Sanatech Seed.
The Sicilian Rouge High GABA tomato has been edited to reduce an enzyme that breaks down GABA—a neurotransmitter that inhibits signals between nerve connections. As a result, the tomatoes contain five times the normal level of GABA. A study indicates that this helps calm the body, reduce stress, and improve sleep. However, this study remains a topic of debate.
Most products consumed by humans today have undergone some form of genetic modification. For example, modern bananas are the result of centuries of breeding with other varieties, while wild bananas are filled with large seeds. In this process, farmers have altered the characteristics of bananas through selective breeding.
CRISPR allows scientists greater control over which genes are added, activated, or silenced. Japan does not classify such tomatoes as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) since similar changes can occur naturally. Therefore, they continue to be sold in the market.
It is nearly certain that the Sicilian Rouge High GABA tomato will not be the last CRISPR-applied food. The UK is revising its laws after leaving the European Union (EU) and may relax gene-editing regulations for food. Plant scientists in the UK have also announced plans for gene-edited wheat that could reduce the release of a substance that may cause cancer when baked or fried.
