Genetically modified purple tomato approved in Australia

Last year, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) called for comment on an application by Norfolk Healthy Produce to permit the sale and use of food derived from genetically modified (GM) tomato lines.

These tomato lines have now received all necessary approvals for commercial sale in Australia, according to a statement from seed company Norfolk Healthy Produce and the Australian distributor All Aussie Farmers on 21 January 2026.

The GM Purple Tomato has been modified to contain the Del and Ros1-N genes from the snapdragon plant (Antirrhinum majus), which enable it to produce natural blue pigments (anthocyanins) as it ripens, resulting in both purple skin and flesh.

The two key regulatory approvals are as follows:

• The FSANZ approval has been recorded in Australia’s Food Standards Code, meaning that these tomatoes can be sold as food throughout the country.
• The Gene Technology Regulator has issued a licence for intentional release of the produce into the environment.

An expert in the field, Professor Daniel Tan, Professor of Agronomy at The University of Sydney, commented that the Purple Tomato is different from the traditional purple heirloom tomatoes in that the purple is not just on the outside skin, it is contained throughout the flesh and skin. “The Purple Tomato has high levels of anthocyanins, which are associated with potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects,” Tan said.

“The first-generation GM (Genetically Modified) crops were developed for insect and herbicide resistance (eg, Bt cotton, Roundup Ready cotton and canola). The Purple Tomato is an example of ‘next-generation’ GM foods, which are modified not just for protective genes, but for potential consumer health benefits. It also represents a shift toward genetic engineering to enhance nutritional profiles rather than only improving pest resistance.”

The Purple Tomato.

Nathan Pumplin, CEO of Norfolk Plant Sciences and Norfolk Healthy Produce, said: “Australia’s regulatory framework has proven to be both rigorous and fair. We appreciate the diligence and open communication from the scientists and reviewers at the OGTR and FSANZ who carefully evaluated our submissions. Their constructive engagement helped ensure a thorough review process. With these approvals now in place, we’re thrilled that our partners at All Aussie Farmers can bring the Purple Bliss tomato to Australian consumers, delivering on our shared mission of making healthier produce more accessible.”

The gene technology was originally developed in the laboratory of Professor Cathie Martin at the John Innes Centre in the United Kingdom.

According to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, food from these tomato lines will need to be labelled as genetically modified to ensure consumers have the information they need to make informed choices.

The tomatoes are expected to be available in Australia later in 2026.

Images: Supplied