Genetically modified purple tomatoes may soon be available at the shelves as genetically modified purple tomatoes make their way to the United Kingdom for testing their purported health benefits.
Developed in Britain, a large-scale production is now under way in Canada with the first 1,200 litres of purple tomato juice ready for shipping.
Their dark pigment gives tomatoes the same potential health benefits as fruit such as blueberries.
The pigment which is known as anthocyanin is an antioxidant which could help fight cancer, according to studies based on animals.
The tomatoes were developed at the John Innes Centre in Norwich where Professor Cathie Martin hopes the first delivery of large quantities of juice will allow researchers to examine its potential.
“With these purple tomatoes you can get the same compounds that are present in blueberries and cranberries that give them their health benefits – but you can apply them to foods that people actually eat in significant amounts and are reasonably affordable,” she said.
The tomatoes are part of a new generation of genetically modified plants designed to appeal to consumers – the first types were aimed specifically at farmers as new tools in agriculture.
The purple pigment is the result of the transmission of a gene from a snapdragon plant – the modification triggers a process within the tomato plant allowing the anthocyanin to develop.
The first 1,200 litres are due to be shipped to Norwich shortly – and because all the seeds will have been removed, there is no genetic material to risk any contamination.
Although the invention is British, Prof Martin says European Union restrictions on GM made her look for other options abroad to develop the technology.
Canadian regulations are seen as more supportive of GM and that led to a deal with an Ontario company, New Energy Farms, which is now producing enough purple tomatoes in a 465 square metre (5,000sq ft) greenhouse to make 2,000 litres (440 gallons) of juice.
The aim is to use the juice in research to carry out tests including examining whether the anthocyanin has positive effects on humans.
Earlier studies show benefits as an anti-inflammatory and in slowing cancers in mice.
-COURTESY BBC
