The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has completed the evaluation of genetically engineered pink flesh pineapple and concluded that it is as safe and nutritious as conventional pineapple varieties.
FDA announced on December 14 that the pineapple genetically engineered by Del Monte Fresh Produce (DMFP) has no unresolved safety or regulatory questions.
The new pineapple has been genetically engineered to produce lower levels of the enzymes already in conventional pineapple that convert the pink pigment lycopene to the yellow pigment beta carotene.
Lycopene, according to the FDA report, is the pigment that makes tomatoes red and watermelons pink, so it is commonly and safely consumed.
“In addition, after consulting with the FDA, DMPF plans to identify the food as “extra sweet pink flesh pineapple” on tags attached to the crown of the fruit. This will distinguish the pink flesh pineapple from DMFPs golden” extra sweet pineapple” which was introduced in the 1990s.”
The FDA says on its website that other companies interested in marketing the pink flesh pineapple are advised to consult with CFSAN’s Office of Nutrition and Food Labelling, to discuss any required or voluntary labelling, including statements relating to attributes of these pineapples or any type of claim.
“DMFP participated in a voluntary consultation with FDA’s Office of Food Additive Safety about the pineapple. During that consultation, DMFP submitted information to FDA scientists regarding characteristics of the new plant variety, the nature and effect of the genetic change, potential unexpected or unintended effects that could accompany the genetic change, and the nutritional assessment.”
FDA says after reviewing the data its scientists concluded that there were no unresolved safety or regulatory issues under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) for the genetically engineered pink flesh pineapple.
“Although DMFP will market this pineapple in the United States, they are not planning on growing it here. The company is working with the government of Costa Rica on this matter,” the statement adds.
In Kenya, Del Monte has hundreds of acres farming pineapple in Thika and this development may find its way into the country.
Kenya is yet to legalise production of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) although discussions are ongoing to allow the introduction of such crops in test farms.