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Genome-edited tomato enters Japanese market

Japan's first gene-edited food is a tomato that contains four to five times more GABA, a substance reported to be effective in controlling high blood pressure.

"We hope that our products will be useful for your health" A tomato made with CRISPR/Cas9 has been approved for growing and consumption in Japan. The tomato "Sicilian Rouge High GABA” was developed by the University of Tsukuba and startup Sanatech Seed. Thanks to a tweaking of the genes, the variety features five times the normal amount of GABA (Gamma-AminoButyric Acid). "GABA is one type of amino acid that has recently been attracting attention as a functional component. GABA is expected to assist with relaxation and help to lower blood pressure," the researchers explain.  In April 2018, ...

This bunch of genome edited tomatoes has about five times the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) of normal produce. (Provided by Sanatech Seed Co.) The health ministry on Dec. 11 accepted the first case of a genome edited tomato being grown in Japan with about five times the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) of normal produce. GABA is thought to help lower blood pressure and reduce stress. The ministry established a reporting system for genome edited food products in October 2019 by mandating that the process must not involve the introduction of new genes. Genome edited foods are not required to pa...