A genetically-modified tomato which was the first genetically engineered whole food to be granted a licence for human consumption; it was also subjected to premarket scrutiny by the FDA, which ordinarily evaluates food additives
In the 1990's, the techniques of molecular genetic engineering (GE) were first used to create tomatoes with delayed ripening for longer shelf-life (which means less wastage), and although the attempts were technically successful, overall the tomato, dubbed the Flavr Savr, wasn't very good and flopped commercially.
While the first genetically modified crop--the Flavr Savr tomato--was approved by the FDA 22 years ago, most consumers still remain confused and uncertain about what a GMO is, and how they play into the organic landscape," said Mark Pins, marketing director and vice president of sales at Olivia's Organics.
s FLAVR SAVR tomato, which has been modified by a reduction of an enzyme that degrades pectin along with the addition of a new protein and overall, the FDA evaluated the data and information provided by Calgene, Inc.
The Flavr Savr tomato--the first genetically modified crop to be approved in the United States, back in 1994--harnessed the mechanism to block an enzyme that makes tomatoes soft, so they could ripen longer on the vine.
El tomate Flavr Savr presento un ablandamiento retardado en comparacion a los cultivos normales, permitiendo cosechar en etapas posteriores de maduracion cuando el sabor del tomate se ha desarrollado mejor, lo que resulto en tomates de mejor calidad (Kramer et al.