GMO Purple Tomato Looks Good To Grow Now After Getting Green Light
July 12, 2023 
The purple tomato from Norfolk Healthy Foods, known as Del/Ros1-N, has just received approval from FDA, clearing the way for distribution.
Photo courtesy of Norfolk Healthy Produce
While fruits and vegetables sporting purple hues aren’t necessarily unique, a truly purple tomato — inside and out — is. Norfolk Plant Sciences (NPS) has announced the successful completion of its consultation with FDA regarding its high-antioxidant purple tomato known as Del/Ros1-N. Following a comprehensive review, FDA stated, “we have no further questions concerning human food derived from Del/Ros1-N tomato at this time.” This decision from FDA aligns with USDA’s positive decision last September.
With this achievement, the company is ready to introduce a range of purple tomato products, including fresh tomatoes, seeds, and juice.
Developed by Professor Cathie Martin at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, UK, the purple tomato derives its antioxidant properties from two genes sourced from the edible snapdragon flower. These genes naturally stimulate the tomato’s ability to produce purple pigments, resulting in the vibrant hues of purple-skinned tomatoes, blueberries, blackberries, and eggplants.
Throughout the consultation process, the FDA meticulously reviewed the purple tomato’s composition, safety, and other relevant parameters. Purple tomatoes have similar nutrient composition as their conventional counterparts, except for their intended higher levels of anthocyanins. The agency concluded that bioengineered purple tomatoes do not present concerns for human food.
“This is excellent news,” says Founder Prof. Cathie Martin. “Fifteen years after our first peer-reviewed publication, I am thrilled to share the healthy fruits of my research with tomato lovers and gardeners.”
Founder Prof. Jonathan Jones echoed her sentiments: “This FDA ‘no further questions’ verdict on the purple tomato feels like a watershed moment. Since Cathie and I founded NPS over 15 years ago, a challenging regulatory process has hindered our vision of a consumer biotech company that could add attractive and health-promoting traits to fresh produce. The challenges have been successfully overcome, and we are eager to introduce these crop improvements to the public in a product that enables consumer choice.”
RELATED CONTENT: Uncommon Produce Stepping up to the Plate for This South Dakota Grower
Nathan Pumplin, CEO of Norfolk Healthy Produce (the U.S.-based subsidiary of NPS), extended his gratitude to the FDA for their diligent review of the product. Pumplin adds, “The support and engagement we’ve received from the FDA, and from our industry, have been truly inspiring as we pave the way for the next generation of produce and food. With a tomato that captivates palates while promoting well-being, we look forward to sharing its exceptional qualities with enthusiastic consumers.”
For more information, visit NorfolkHealthyProduce.com.
Loading ...Subscribe Today For
