Furthermore, the protein produced by the gene is rapidly digested, and shows no characteristics associated with toxins or allergens. Similar data evaluations proved to FDA that there is no risk of transferring resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin to other organisms in the environment. In April 1994, the FDA held a meeting of its Food Advisory Committee to specifically evaluate its review of the Flavr Savr. The committee agreed with FDA that the Flavr Savr is as safe and nutritious as any other tomato. A month later, FDA announced its approval.
Consumers can look forward to other better-tasting fruits and vegetables as well.
Researchers believe that the same methods used to make tomatoes tastier can be applied to such favorites as melons, peaches, bananas and papayas. The Flavr Savrs are currently only sold at a few stores in northern California and suburban Chicago. As for the rest of us, a Calgene spokesman says that the tomatoes will be available nationwide in 1995.