The gene edited ‘Sunshine’ tomato has passed a key regulatory milestone in England, moving the vitamin D enriched crop closer to commercialisation.
A precision-bred tomato designed to provide higher levels of vitamin D has moved closer to commercialization following approval of its first marketing notice in England.
The ‘Sunshine’ tomato was developed in the laboratory of Professor Cathie Martin FRS at the John Innes Centre. It contains elevated levels of pro-vitamin D3 in its fruit and leaves and was recently included in a Quadram Institute study examining the nutrient’s bioavailability, according to a press release.
Supporting Public Health Through Biofortification
“I am passionate about science supporting public health, and with vitamin D deficiency a widespread problem, our biofortified tomato could one day be a low-cost, simple, plant-based solution that can improve diets across the world,” Professor Martin said.
“This is an important step in getting the tomato approved to go to market in England, and I want to thank all my colleagues in the institute and further afield who have collaborated on this important project.”
The tomato is the first crop developed at the John Innes Centre to receive precision bred organism (PBO) marketing approval.
Gene Editing Increases Pro-Vitamin D3
Tomatoes naturally produce pro-vitamin D3 as an intermediate compound before converting it into substances used for plant defence.
Using gene editing, Martin and her team precisely modified tomato genes so that pro-vitamin D3 accumulates at higher levels in the fruit and leaves. Exposure to sunlight or UVB light then converts the compound into vitamin D3, a more stable form that can be used by humans.
The genetic change does not affect the plants’ appearance, growth or yield. According to the John Innes Centre, each tomato could contain as much vitamin D as two eggs or 28 grams of tuna.
Further Approvals and Variety Development Planned
Researchers will next cross the plants with sweeter-tasting and striped tomato varieties intended for sale under the ‘Sunshine’ name, reflecting their increased vitamin D content.
An application for approval from the Food Standards Agency is also planned before the tomatoes can enter the market.
