Gene Editing and Food: Assessing the Moral Dimensions

Abstract Gene editing is developing as a tool that can be used to restructure microorganisms, plants and animals according to human desires, including the strategic and market purposes of agri-food corporations. Food scientists, food technologists and nutritionists targeting careers in the food industry are advantaged by possessing insight into and knowledge of the nature and mechanics of gene editing, as well as understanding how best to explore and rationalise the moral implications that gene editing can manifest concerning both food systems and food products. This case study outlines the basics of gene editing technology and instructs on how to evaluate moral issues arising from its applications, so as to make evidence-based, reasoned and defensible ethical judgements and associated decisions about gene editing in agriculture and food. Information © The Author 2025