FSANZ Invites Comments on GM Purple Tomato

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comments on an application to permit the sale and use of food derived from genetically modified (GM) purple tomatoes developed by Norfolk Healthy Produce Inc. These tomatoes will be sold fresh or used as ingredients in processed food products, such as pastes and sun-dried tomatoes. The submission of comments is open until September 10, 2025, at 11:59 PM (Canberra time).

The GM purple tomato contains genes from the snapdragon plant that enable it to produce high levels of anthocyanins, which are natural pigments that give the fruit its distinctive purple color in skin and flesh. The safety assessment identified no public health or safety concerns on GM tomato, concluding that it is as safe as conventional varieties. Dr. Sandra Cuthbert, CEO of FSANZ, said that this is the sixth GM food being assessed with Health Canada.

FSANZ noted that the application only covers food use in Australia and New Zealand, not commercial cultivation. Cultivation approvals are being considered separately by regulators in both countries. All feedback submitted through the FSANZ Consultation Hub will be published on the FSANZ website once the public comment period closes.

For more information, read the announcement from the FSANZ website.