Gene-edited bananas that resist turning brown after being peeled or sliced could soon be sold in UK supermarkets, according to multiple outlets. The fruit was developed by Tropic, an agricultural-biotechnology company based in Norwich/Norfolk.
According to the Daily Mail, experts at Tropic Biosciences used a gene-editing technique known as CRISPR-Cas9 to edit three genes responsible for causing bananas to brown.
The Guardian reports that Tropic says the bananas have the same taste and texture as conventional bananas but stay "fresh, yellow and appetising" long after peeling and slicing.
The Guardian frames the development as a potential way to reduce food waste and make it easier to include bananas in prepackaged food.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Guardian described the development as a scientific breakthrough that could reduce food waste.
- The Guardian noted the bananas could make it easier to add the fruit to prepackaged food.
- The Guardian attributed claims about taste, texture and appearance directly to Tropic.
“Gene-edited bananas that don’t go brown could hit UK supermarkets” — The Guardian
Right
- The Daily Mail specified that Tropic Biosciences used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit three genes causing browning.
- The Telegraph and Daily Express both framed the story around bananas no longer going brown or mushy.
- Right-leaning outlets emphasized the fruit nearing sale in UK supermarkets.
“Bananas that don’t go brown to hit supermarkets thanks to DNA editing” — The Telegraph
Questions readers ask
What happened with the gene-edited bananas?
UK company Tropic developed gene-edited bananas that stay yellow after peeling and slicing, and multiple outlets report they could soon be sold in British supermarkets.
How was the banana modified?
According to the Daily Mail, scientists at Tropic Biosciences used CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology to alter three genes responsible for causing bananas to brown.
Why does this matter?
The Guardian reports the breakthrough could reduce food waste and make it easier to incorporate bananas into prepackaged food.
What did left- and right-leaning outlets focus on?
The Guardian, a left-leaning outlet, emphasized potential benefits like reduced food waste, while right-leaning outlets such as the Daily Mail and Telegraph focused on the gene-editing technique and the fruit's imminent arrival in supermarkets.
Sources · 4 outlet reports
- The GuardianLeft-leaningGene-edited bananas that don’t go brown could hit UK supermarkets
- Daily ExpressRight-leaningBananas will never go brown and mushy again with 1 change
- Daily MailRight-leaningSay goodbye to brown bananas! Gene-edited fruits could soon be sold in UK supermarkets
- The TelegraphRight-leaningBananas that don’t go brown to hit supermarkets thanks to DNA editing