Are We About to Eat Sprayed RNA? What Moderna Isn’t Telling You About Genetically Hacking Your Food
You know that clean salad you just ordered? Give it a few years, and the lettuce might come with a side of synthetic RNA—sprayed, not dressed. Flagship Pioneering, the parent company of Moderna, is already investing billions into RNA agricultural platforms like Terrana Biosciences. Sounds like sci-fi. But it’s real. And it’s being quietly developed by some of the same biotech titans behind the mRNA boom.
Companies like Terrana Biosciences, backed by Moderna’s parent company Flagship Pioneering, are racing to build RNA sprays that don’t just protect plants from disease—they reprogram them. The idea? Replace chemical pesticides with smart RNA sequences that "silence" the genes of pests, viruses, and even the plants themselves.
All this to fix a problem Big Ag created: biologically dead soil and disease-prone crops.
From Jabs to Sprays: Biotech’s Quiet Leap Into Agriculture
Synthetic RNA is no longer just a vaccine tech. It’s now being explored as a way to treat plants like programmable systems. Terrana isn’t alone. Research teams at UC Riverside and UC San Diego are testing whether plants like lettuce can absorb mRNA and produce protective proteins internally.
In 2024, Flagship Pioneering—the same biotech firm behind Moderna—launched Terrana Biosciences, backed by a record $3.6 billion raise to fund tech aimed at human health and agriculture to bring “adaptive, targeted RNA solutions” to agriculture. Their mission? Build a programmable RNA platform that can modulate biological processes in both pests and plants. It’s not just about crop protection—it’s about rewriting how nature behaves at scale, with no mention of consumer labelling, food safety trials, or long-term health impacts. For a more skeptical breakdown, this independent report highlights broader public concerns.
While much of the media focus has been on U.S.-based players like Terrana, similar RNA spray research is underway in Australia. The CSIRO and University of Queensland have developed BioClay—a spray that binds RNA to clay nanoparticles to keep it stable and active on crops. Though marketed as biodegradable and non-GMO, the goal is the same: longer-lasting RNA interference with no long-term safety data, no labelling, and no public discussion.
Nothing is commercially approved yet. But industry leaders, including executives at Flagship Pioneering, have publicly stated they expect regulatory approval within the next 1–2 years.
Meanwhile, synthetic food innovations are being fast-tracked across the board—with billionaire backing and little public input. One recent FDA-approved product, developed by a Gates-funded startup, uses genetically modified microbes to produce edible protein from thin air. Actress Michelle Pfeiffer publicly criticised the move, citing safety concerns and calling for greater transparency. Whether it’s sprayed RNA or lab-grown meat, the playbook is the same: bypass soil, scale fast, and ask questions later.
While much of the media focus has been on U.S.-based players like Terrana, RNA spray research is also quietly gaining traction in Australia. The CSIRO and University of Queensland are actively developing technologies like BioClay—a gene-silencing spray that binds RNA to clay particles, allowing it to stick to crops and remain biologically active. Though marketed as biodegradable and non-GMO, the goal is the same: targeted gene suppression without the transparency consumers deserve. There’s still no long-term human safety data, no mandatory labelling, and no public debate.
Video Credit: YouTube / The Guardian – “How targeted spray technologies work”
Sick Soil = Weak Crops = New Markets
Healthy soil acts like a plant’s immune system. When it’s microbially rich and well-mineralised, pests don’t win. But synthetic fertilisers, glyphosate, and monoculture farming have left soil immune-compromised. Instead of regenerating it, Big Ag wants a spray-on patch.
Enter RNA tech—programmable, patentable, and profitable.
But Is It Safe?
That’s the billion-dollar question. RNA molecules break down quickly in nature, but little is known about what happens when they’re sprayed repeatedly, absorbed by plants, or ingested. There are no long-term studies. No labelling laws. And if it’s not classed as GMO, it could fly under the regulatory radar.
So is it safe to eat?
We don’t know. While RNA interference works on pests and RNA does degrade quickly in the environment, synthetic RNA sprays are engineered to last longer and resist breakdown. Some studies suggest RNA fragments can survive digestion and potentially influence gene expression in mammals—but the data is conflicting, and no large-scale human trials have been done.
One study from Scotland’s James Hutton Institute and St. Louis University did test the safety of sprayed RNA in a real-world setting. The researchers sprayed double-stranded RNA onto barley crops and found no detectable impact on non-target insects, soil bacteria, or earthworms during their short trial window. While the authors suggested the spray appeared safe in this case, they also noted the results were limited to specific conditions and should not be broadly applied without further long-term studies or human health testing.
Here’s what’s most concerning:
| Risk | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Off-target effects | Could RNA interfere with unintended genes in humans, gut microbes, or soil life? Unknown. |
| Bioaccumulation | If sprayed regularly, does synthetic RNA build up in tissue or organs? Unknown. |
| Gut microbiome disruption | Could targeted RNA affect beneficial bacteria or gut lining? Not studied. |
| Cumulative exposure | What happens if multiple foods are sprayed with different RNA cocktails? No data. |
It’s not happening in Australia (yet)—but if RNA-sprayed crops are approved in the U.S., they could enter global food supply chains through imported ingredients, processed foods, or packaged goods. And under current Australian labelling laws, you’d likely never know. Source: Food Standards Australia New Zealand – Labelling & GM Foods
Where Are RNA Sprays Currently Being Used — and Are They Approved?
CSIRO in Australia first began developing RNA interference (RNAi) technologies in the 1990s by inserting gene-silencing RNA directly into plant DNA — creating genetically modified crops with built-in resistance to viruses. In recent years, the focus has shifted to a spray-based approach, where double-stranded RNA is applied to the plant surface to temporarily silence genes in pests or pathogens. This method avoids modifying the plant’s genome and is considered a non-GMO workaround.
Today, CSIRO is trialling RNA sprays in controlled lab and greenhouse settings, mostly on barley, canola, and cotton. No RNA-sprayed crops have been commercialised in Australia at this stage.
In the U.S., companies like GreenLight Biosciences began EPA-approved field trials in 2021, targeting pests like the Colorado potato beetle. Again, no RNA-sprayed food has reached consumers, but regulatory groundwork is underway in both countries.
In Australia, RNA sprays must be approved by three key regulators before use on food crops:
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APVMA – Assesses agricultural chemicals (including RNA sprays) for safety, efficacy, and environmental risk
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OGTR – Determines if the RNA qualifies as a genetically modified organism (GMO). If the spray doesn’t alter plant DNA or replicate, it may avoid GMO classification — fast-tracking approval
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FSANZ – Reviews food safety. If RNA residues remain on the crop or alter its composition, FSANZ must assess its impact on human health before it can be sold
So what’s the likelihood of approval?
If the RNA is deemed non-GMO and doesn’t persist in the final food product, it could be approved relatively quickly under the “biologicals” category. But if there’s residue, systemic gene silencing, or insufficient long-term safety data, FSANZ could delay or block commercial rollout.
Bottom line: RNA-sprayed food isn’t on shelves yet — but it’s coming. The delivery method may have changed, but the gene-silencing tech behind it hasn’t.
Australia’s RNA spray research is drawing inspiration from mRNA vaccines.
According to a 2022 ABC report, CSIRO scientists are adapting the same lipid-based delivery system used in COVID-19 vaccines to apply RNA directly to plant leaves — turning crops like cotton and barley into pest-fighting machines without genetic modification. The idea is to “vaccinate” the plant with RNA that silences specific pest genes. While it’s still in trial stages, the technology has been tested in greenhouses and is being positioned as a precision alternative to traditional pesticides.
The BioHax View: Real Food Starts With Real Soil
This isn’t innovation. It’s a high-tech Band-Aid for an agricultural system stripped of microbial life and nutrient-rich soil—now dependent on biotech fixes to keep yields profitable.
Want truly resilient crops? Start with the soil. Think of it like your own immune system—robust when supported, vulnerable when depleted. Just as humans ward off illness when their internal terrain is strong, plants do the same when rooted in biodiverse, microbe-rich soil. Regenerative farms like Zach Bush’s Farmer’s Footprint project or Australia’s Tarwyn Park Training use cover crops, compost teas, and rotational grazing to strengthen ecosystems instead of spraying them into submission. Build biodiversity. Support regenerative farmers. Eat local. Demand transparency.
Because if we don’t, synthetic food systems will keep expanding—and clean food will become a luxury, not a right.
FAQs About RNA Sprays on Food
What are RNA sprays used for in agriculture?
RNA sprays are designed to silence specific genes in pests, viruses, or plants—reducing crop damage without traditional pesticides. Some can even reprogram plant functions.
Is this the same RNA used in vaccines?
Not exactly, but it’s similar. Both involve synthetic RNA designed to trigger biological responses. In crops, the RNA targets pests or plant genes instead of human cells.
Is sprayed RNA considered GMO?
Not currently. RNA interference doesn’t permanently alter DNA, so regulators often don’t classify it as genetically modified—even though it can change how a plant behaves.
Can RNA from food affect the human body?
Studies are inconclusive. Some research shows dietary RNA can survive digestion and influence gene expression in mammals, but no long-term studies have confirmed safety.
Are RNA-sprayed foods being sold in Australia?
No, not yet. But research is underway, and imported foods from countries that approve RNA sprays could enter the market in the future.
Who is funding RNA agriculture?
Biotech firms like Terrana Biosciences and investors such as Flagship Pioneering (Moderna’s backer), along with Bill Gates–funded food tech initiatives, are driving development.
What can I do if I don’t want to eat sprayed crops?
Choose organic and local where possible, support regenerative farms, ask for food labelling transparency, and stay informed about biotech approvals in food systems.
Links
Terrana Biosciences – Official Website
Flagship Pioneering’s $3.6B RNA Agriculture Announcement
Independent Commentary – Off The Grid News
CSIRO BioClay Overview (Australia)
The Guardian: How RNA Spray Technology Works – Video
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Disclaimer:
The information in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or legal advice, nor is it a substitute for professional guidance. While every effort has been made to present accurate and up-to-date research, readers are encouraged to do their own due diligence and consult qualified professionals regarding food safety, biotechnology, and health concerns. BioHax Wellness supports informed choice and food transparency, but we do not claim to speak on behalf of regulatory bodies or medical authorities.
Article dated: 29 July 2025 - by Editor
Updated: 30 July 2025 - to include CSIRO Australia by Editor
