USDA Approves First Product Under New Review Process for Genetically Engineered Plants

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently released a Regulatory Status Review (RSR) of a nutritionally-enhanced purple tomato from ASTA member Norfolk Plant Sciences. The agency determined that the “modified tomato is unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk relative to its comparator,” and as such, it may be safely grown and used in breeding in the U.S. This decision is particularly significant as it’s the first to be released under USDA’s revised biotechnology regulations (7 CFR part 340) which went into effect in 2021.

According to Nathan Pumplin, CEO of Norfolk Plant Sciences’ U.S.-based commercial business, “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. 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.”

For more information, see USDA’s full announcement.