从实验室到餐桌，全球基因编辑动物食品监管困局｜解码基因编辑②

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the regulatory challenges and market acceptance of gene-edited animal products, highlighting the contrast between technological advancements and regulatory frameworks across different countries [11][24][61]. Regulatory Landscape - Global regulatory policies for gene-edited foods generally fall into two categories: either treating them as conventional foods with lighter regulations or applying strict standards similar to those for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) [18][30]. - Countries like the US, Japan, and Argentina have adopted a more lenient approach, equating gene-edited foods without foreign gene insertion to regular foods, thus facilitating their market entry [31][39][42]. - In contrast, the EU, China, and New Zealand maintain stricter regulations, treating gene-edited products similarly to GMOs, which has led to significant debates and controversies [47][51][61]. Market Dynamics - The global market for gene editing is projected to reach $15.79 billion by 2027, with a significant portion attributed to agricultural applications, including animal breeding [89]. - Despite the promising market potential, the actual commercialization of gene-edited animal products remains limited, with many countries still in the discussion phase regarding regulatory frameworks [75][106]. Public Perception and Acceptance - Public attitudes towards gene editing are mixed, with a general acceptance for medical applications but more skepticism regarding food safety and ethical implications [68][81]. - In the US, a survey indicated that about 51% of the population remains doubtful about gene-edited foods, with over 75% desiring clear labeling to ensure informed consumer choices [80][81]. Industry Developments - Recent advancements in gene editing technology have led to significant improvements in fish growth rates and disease resistance, which are seen as vital for the future of aquaculture [46][97]. - Companies in China are beginning to invest heavily in gene editing technologies, as evidenced by a major investment by a leading aquaculture firm in proprietary gene editing techniques [103][105].