Over the past few years, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have inspired significant controversy. These foods contain DNA that has been modified to include genes from other organisms in order to create a specific characteristic, and they have been deemed safe for consumption by many scientific and regulatory bodies. However, there are now new forms of genetic modification that may spark the same sort of public backlash.
Gene edited organisms (GEOs) are foods that have their DNA directly edited for a result that still falls within the organism’s natural genes. This is different than traditional GMOs, which have DNA from different species inserted into their genetic code. However, for foodies wary of any genetically altered foods, this may be a difference without a distinction. According to the PEW research center, almost 40% of Americans believe that GMOs are bad for their health. But crop scientists are hoping GEOs developed with a new genome-editing technique called CRISPR-Cas will be different.
Biotech giant DuPont Pioneer is in the process of developing CRISPR-edit waxy corn. While this development is certainly a scientific breakthrough, the company is already attempting to neutralize doubtful consumers.
“It’s more about social science than science,” explained Neal Gutterson, the vice president of research and development at DuPont Pioneer. “[It’s] ultimately about getting social license for this technology.”
CRISPR and other gene-editing tools are being used to develop potential treatments for genetic diseases among crops and food products. While the outcome is similar to GMOs, experts believe GEOs could be the key to producing enough food to feed a rapidly growing population.
This gene-editing technique was discovered at several research universities and is already being applied in a variety of fields. In the medical field, CRISPR is being used to develop things like cancer therapies and different disease models. Among agriculture applications, this method is quicker and more precise than traditional GMO techniques.
DuPont Pioneer is expecting its CRISPR-edited waxy corn to be available to the public within three years. While traditional GMOs are heavily regulated, the Agriculture Department has indicated that it does not plan to regulate these GEOs since they do not involve other organisms’ genetic materials.
Because of this lack of regulation, DuPont Pioneer has made an extra effort to learn more about consumer concerns regarding CRISPR in order to create informational messaging for the new product.
Seeing as how in 2016 the global food and agricultural industry accounted for about 10% of the world’s GDP, a lot of companies are racing to create more dependable food products. Likewise, scientists around the world are continuously trying to find ways to produce better, safer, and more sustainable food products.
There is still uncertainty about whether or not the public will accept CRISPR and GEOs in general. While, like GMOs, these methods are backed by cutting edge science, there are legitimate concerns when it comes to using any sort of technique that alters the DNA of a product.
