A genetically modified purple tomato, developed by food scientists in Norwich, has been approved for sale in the US.
The country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared it is safe to eat.
Scientists that developed the product are now seeking permission to grow it commercially in the UK.
But campaigners against genetically modified (GM) foods have described the creation as a “vanity project”.
Genetic modification involves adding genes to a plant’s DNA from a different species of plant – or even an animal. It creates new varieties which could not have been produced through cross-breeding.
Prof Cathie Martin who developed the purple tomato at the John Innes Centre in Norwich said the product had “exceptional antioxidant properties”, having crossed the genes with a snapdragon flower.
“The greater good would be if people in the UK in particular, but world over if possible, could have more nutritious food to eat”, she said.
The purple tomato is said to be rich is anthocyanins, which have been linked to a wide variety of health benefits, including increased cardiovascular health and the prevention of both cancer and dementia.
But many campaigners who are opposed to gene-edited foods are worried that GM crops will not require additional testing, and fear the creation of new allergens or toxins.
