Genetically modified tomatoes in the spotlight: more than just a niche topic
A recent case highlights the importance of comprehensive GMO monitoring
August 2026. Traditionally, the focus of GMO analysis has been on soya, maize, rapeseed and cotton. However, even less common GM crops can be relevant to businesses throughout the supply chain. The recent detection of an unauthorised genetically modified tomato in Latvia shows that attention should not be limited solely to traditional GMO crop types.
From the Flavr-Savr tomato to the present day.
The Flavr-Savr™ tomato was the first genetically modified plant to be authorised for use as food. Developed with the aim of slowing down ripening and extending the fruit's shelf life, it was authorised in the USA in 1994.
Compared with soya, maize, rapeseed and cotton, tomatoes are of significantly less economic importance worldwide. Consequently, relatively few genetically modified tomatoes have been developed and brought to market. Most of the GM tomatoes developed and authorised since then have been designed to alter the fruit's ripening process.
One example of this is the ‘Purple Tomato’ or ‘Purple Bliss Tomato’ from Norfolk Healthy Produce, which was the first genetically modified tomato with a specifically altered fruit colour to be marketed in the USA.
Purple Tomato
The ‘Purple Tomato’ (also known as the ‘Purple Bliss Tomato’) from the US company Norfolk Healthy Produce is a genetically modified tomato with a dark purple skin and dark purple flesh. Its striking colour is due to two genes derived from the snapdragon. Unlike conventional tomatoes, the purple colour is not confined to the skin but is also visible in the flesh. The variety is authorised for the US market and has also received regulatory approvals in Canada and Australia.
Genetically modified tomatoes in the European context
To date, no application has been submitted to the European Union for the authorisation of genetically modified tomatoes. Consequently, no GM tomatoes are currently authorised in the EU. This means that a zero-tolerance policy applies to all GM tomatoes across the food, feed and seed supply chains.
A recent case in Latvia illustrates the practical consequences of this. The state plant protection service recently identified a genetically modified 'Purple Tomato' plant there. The seeds in question were distributed at the 'Garden and Lifestyle 2026' trade fair. According to the relevant authority, the affected material has already been destroyed, and monitoring of the breeder is ongoing.
The authority also emphasised that anyone who has acquired these seedlings or seeds, whether from a trade fair or elsewhere, must not pass them on or use them themselves; they must be disposed of.
Ensuring Product Integrity with TomatoScreen
Eurofins GeneScan, the Competence Centre for GMO testing within the Eurofins international laboratory network, offers various methods to detect genetically modified tomatoes. The TomatoScreen analysis package is a comprehensive screening solution that can reliably detect or rule out a wide range of GM tomatoes, including the Purple Tomato. This allows raw materials, seeds, and other samples to be tested specifically for the presence of GM organisms.
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Relevant sources
[1] State Plant Protection Service of Latvia (VAAD): Latvijā konstatēta neatļauta ģenētiski modificētu tomātu stādu tirdzniecība (Unauthorised sale of genetically modified tomato seedlings detected in Latvia)
[2] Latvian Public Service Media (LSM): Unauthorised GMO tomatoes found in Latvia
Written by:
Ulf Rathjens (Sales Manager)
Eurofins GeneScan GmbH