Japan considering boost to gene edited foods development
A panel of the Japanese Ministry of Health has issued a statement that most gene edited foods can be marketed without safety screening. This proposal would accelerate the development of these foods in Japan, such as more nutritious tomatoes and more meaty red seabream.
The relatively moderate regulation would allow companies to sell gene-edited foods on the condition that thy provide the government with information on the specific edits in crops or animals. The Japanese Ministry of Health plans to draw a onclusion on the matter by the end of March.
Japan features several universities and companies that are active in this field. In October, Tsukuba University announced it will launch a startup to commercialize gene edited tomatoes with an abundance of gamma-aminobutyric acid that can lower blood pressure. Other gene edited foods being developed in Japan include potatoes free of toxins and super high-yielding rice,
