Genetically Modified Purple Tomato Seeds Controversy

SOURCE www.npr.org
Purple tomato seeds marketed as non-GMO were actually genetically modified, causing controversy in the gardening community. The seeds were acquired from France but turned out to have genes from a lab in the U.K. Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company initially sold the seeds but later pulled them from the catalog after discovering the truth.

Key Points

  • Purple tomato seeds marketed as non-GMO were actually genetically modified
  • Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company acquired the seeds from France but later discovered they contained genes from a lab in the U.K.
  • Controversy arose in the gardening community about the misrepresentation of the seeds
  • Gardening enthusiasts and scientists raised concerns about growing GMOs unknowingly

Pros

  • Higher level of the antioxidant anthocyanin in purple tomatoes
  • Increased biodiversity in contemporary tomatoes

Cons

  • Misrepresentation of genetically modified seeds as non-GMO
  • Concerns about unknowingly growing GMOs