Genetically modified purple tomato juice headed for Britain

The genetically modified purple tomatoes are shown to slow down cancer in mice.

17:28 27 January 2014

UK scientists have developed genetically modified purple tomatoes that are packed with ‘amazing health benefits’.  Cultivated in Canada, the first batch will produce 2,000 litres of modified fruit juice, which is shown to slow down cancer in mice. The first 1,200 litres will be shipped to Norwich.

The tomatoes and the juice will be used to study the effects of high anthocyanin diet on cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic diseases.

The colour of the tomatoes, which is purple, is derived from high levels of anthocyanins - compounds normally found in blueberries, blackberries, and other deeply coloured fruits.

The research is through John Innes Centre’s funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and is funded by the EU.

Professor Cathie Martin, from the John Innes Centre, said: ‘We want to explore a way for consumers to benefit from our discoveries, as we are finding there is a demand for the added health benefits.’

Bringing the juice to the food market will require regulatory approval and may be possible in as little as two years in North America who have looser laws than Britain when it comes to genetically modified products.