by PressField testing of genetically modified wheat began in the UK
The first testing of GM wheat are conducted in the UK
Rothamsted Research is field testing new varieties of GM wheat in the UK. The results are in. According to the researchers, the acrylamide content in flour made from this grain when baked is much lower than that of others.
Rothamsted Research is a research company. It has been working with genetically modified crops since the 1990s. In late 2021, it received approval from the UK government’s Home Office to conduct field trials of GM cereal varieties. These trials were the first for the European Union and the United Kingdom to use CRISPR-edited wheat. The main task of scientists was to reduce the asparagine content in wheat. This amino acid turns into the carcinogen acrylamide when it interacts with high temperatures, such as during cooking. Since its discovery, scientists and the food industry have been trying to reduce its concentration in food.
According to the field testing results, 50 percent less asparagine was observed in GM wheat than in the control variety. After milling and cooking, acrylamide levels were 45% lower than in traditional wheat flour. According to Rothamsted Research, the tests demonstrated the viability of the new variety and its effectiveness in reducing levels of carcinogen. Scientists note that tests of GM wheat show good results both in the field and in laboratory experiments.
Prospects for the use of genetically modified crops
The use of wheat with an altered genome is extremely important for food producers. With a lower concentration of asparagine, it will be easier for companies to comply with regulations to reduce acrylamide in products. In this case, there is no need to sacrifice product quality or change the technological process.
It should be noted that the use of genetically modified crops in human food is still in the experimental stage. Countries are not yet ready to grow such varieties for human consumption, while GM grains are only produced for animal feed. In addition, there is no legal framework to regulate breeders and farmers.
However, Rothamsted’s research is crucial to the development of CRISPR technology and its applications. In addition, work is actively underway to develop regulations for the sector. And the authorities are preparing a draft bill. The latter involves the development of regulations for the production and marketing use of genetically modified crops, including wheat. So far, the document is going through the stages of discussion in Parliament. And the results of the field study may be a good argument to speed up its adoption.