Gene Editing - RSPCA Political Animal
Gene Editing
Genome editing (GE) is a group of technologies that enable an organisms’ DNA to be manipulated by adding, removing or altering genetic material at particular locations in the genome. Editing an animal's genome involves procedures that potentially cause pain, suffering, distress and lasting harm. It is an inefficient process, using large numbers of animals to produce a single individual with the desired edit. Despite claims that these newer GE techniques are much more precise than previous methods, they still cause unpredictable and unintended changes to the genome, which are only just starting to be reported.
In 2023, the UK Government passed the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act which allows the creation and marketing of “precision-bred” or genome-edited plants and vertebrate animals in England. To date, the Welsh Government has not made any move to permit this practice, instead acknowledging "considerable debate in the scientific community" and favouring a precautionary approach based on science. However, even if the Welsh Government did not allow the production of gene edited foods and/or animals, they may be unable to stop GE produce appearing in shops in Wales due to the Internal Market Act - and any such GE produce may not even need to be labelled. RSPCA Cymru fears this could have damaging consequences for consumer choice and animal welfare - both of which should be hallmarks of Wales' approach to food production.