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Sept. 1994 FDA Consumer
 
                       First Biotech Tomato Marketed
 
 
 A tomato developed through biotechnology was declared by FDA last May to be
as safe as tomatoes bred by conventional means. This was the first time the
agency had evaluated a whole food produced by biotechnology, techniques that
allow scientists to modify the genetic material of living things. The tomato
is being marketed under the name FLAVR SAVR.  The manufacturer, Calgene, Inc.,
of Davis, Calif., says FLAVR SAVR tomatoes are bred to stay firm after harvest
and so may remain on the vine longer to ripen to full flavor So they won't be
crushed on the  way to market, other tomato varieties must be harvested while
they are green and firm. After shipment, processors induce ripening by
treating the tomatoes with ethylene gas, the natural ripening agent in
tomatoes.
 
The company has been working with FDA for several years developing new
products through biotechnology, and asked FDA to review FLAVR SAVR in August
1991. After evaluating the data submitted by Calgene, FDA scientists
concluded that the FLAVR SAVR tomato has not been significantly altered and
is as safe to eat as other tomatoes. This assessment was supported by the
agency's  Food Advisory Committee, a panel of experts from outside FDA.
Since the FLAVR SAVR tomato maintains the essential characteristics of
traditionally developed tomatoes, FDA will not require special labeling.
However, Calgene said it plans to provide point-of-sale information for
consumers about the development of the new product through genetic engineering.
 
(Sept. 1994 FDA Consumer)