Genome editing and food safety: bridging the validation gap

Genome editing is increasingly positioned as a tool for improving food safety and nutritional quality, yet its real-world impact depends on outcomes that extend far beyond molecular precision. This review synthesizes evidence on how genome edits translate through phenotypes, food matrices, processing, microbial ecology, and dietary exposure, revealing a persistent validation gap between early-stage technical metrics and food-safety-relevant endpoints. We argue for an exposure-anchored, multi-layered validation framework incorporating omics, post-harvest behavior, and post-market monitoring. Closing this gap is essential for aligning genome editing innovations with measurable improvements in food system safety and consumer protection.