Non-browning bananas move closer to hitting supermarket shelves

By Lauren Wilkin

Genetically modified bananas that don't turn brown could be in English supermarkets soon.

The bananas have been developed by editing the DNA of bananas to stop them from turning brown once cut open.

Tropic said: "The banana stays firm and yellow after peeling and slicing – opening new avenues for inclusion in fruit salads, smoothies, desserts and more."

Now, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has submitted a marketing notice, meaning the bananas have reached the final step in approval to be sold in English supermarkets.

The move to approve GM bananas will aim to help prevent food waste.

The notice says: "Damage of banana fruits results in enzymatic browning which is a major cause of banana fruit loss.

"Specifically, enzymatic browning has been reported to cause around 20% of banana yield losses (information gathered from the banana sector by Tropic) and is believed to be responsible for greater than 50% of yield losses across susceptible fruit.

"The banana fruit harvested from the reduced browning banana variety is intended for import, retail, and consumption purposes akin to conventional banana fruit."

A spokesperson for Tropic said: "Before the UK, the non-browning banana had already received approval, exemption or regulatory clearance in ten countries. The UK is therefore the eleventh country to recognize the product.

"That is especially exciting for us because Tropic is a British company and the banana was developed by our team here in Norwich.

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While Tropic has completed the Defra precision-bred-organism stage, they still need to complete the food authorization process.

The spokesperson said: "We are now working with the Food Standards Agency through the separate food-authorization process. We will only introduce the banana to UK consumers once the required process is complete."

The application to the Food Standards Agency was submitted on August 3, 2026.

While an exact date of when we can expect to see these bananas in UK supermarkets is unknown, Tropic says their ambition is to bring the banana to UK consumers "as soon as responsibly possible."

"We are working towards commercial introduction from 2027, but the precise timing depends on completing the FSA process, scaling production and reaching agreements with growers, distributors and retailers.

"We are not announcing a firm supermarket date today."

Tropic has also noted that as a premium product, the non-browning banana is likely to cost "a little more" than standard bananas.

Earlier this year, Tropic's bananas were approved in Japan and Brazil.

"These approvals represent a major step forward in bringing innovative, waste-reducing produce to consumers worldwide," said Gilad Gershon, CEO of Tropic.

"Japan and Brazil each play critical roles in the global fruit market, and these decisions reflect growing international confidence in new agricultural technologies designed for modern supply chains."

The non-browning banana has already been approved in America and Canada and is widely available.