USDA greenlights Norfolk Plant Sciences' Purple Tomato
A new, genetically modified purple tomato has received a green light from the USDA.
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced it has reviewed the new tomato from Norfolk Plant Sciences, which was modified to alter its color and enhance its nutritional quality.
“We found the plant is unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk compared to other cultivated tomatoes, and is not subject to [the Code of Federal Regulations policy regarding the movement of GMO products]” the USDA said in a news release. “That means, from a plant pest risk perspective, this plant may be safely grown and used in breeding in the U.S. “
The USDA said its response was based on information from Norfolk Plant Sciences and the USDA's:
- familiarity with tomato varieties;
- knowledge of the traits that alter fruit color and nutritional quality; and
- understanding of the modifications.
Under federal regulations, developers may submit a request to APHIS for a regulatory status review when they believe a modified plant is not subject to regulation, according to the USDA.
USDA APHIS reviews the modified plant and considers whether it might pose an increased plant pest risk compared to a nonregulated plant, the release said.
“With respect to Norfolk Plant Sciences’ purple tomato, we did not identify any plausible pathways to increased plant pest risk compared to other cultivated tomatoes, and issued a response letter indicating the plant is not subject to regulation,” the agency said.
The USDA said the regulatory status review response is the first the agency issued under the federal code's revised biotechnology regulations. The USDA review is available online.
“We are now one step closer to my dream of sharing healthy purple tomatoes with the many people excited to eat them,” Cathie Martin said in the release. Martin developed the purple tomato by engineering a precise genetic “on switch,” derived from an edible flower.
“This decision shows how the updates to APHIS’ regulatory framework will enable independent scientists and small companies to develop and compete on the market with better products, to the benefit of consumers and climate,” Nathan Pumplin, CEO of Norfolk Plant Sciences’ U.S.-based commercial business, said in the release. “This decision is a big milestone, which brings us much closer to a commercial launch of purple tomatoes. We are optimistic that we can begin limited distribution of purple tomatoes in the U.S. in 2023.”
In terms of next steps, Pumplin said in an email that the company has submitted information to the United States Food and Drug Administration seeking advice and counsel.
"We are looking forward to getting their response back," he said.
