February 9, 2026
Shoppers can expect to see purple tomatoes for sale later this year following the approval of the cultivation and distribution for sale of a genetically modified plant.
The GM purple tomato, to be marketed under the trademark “Purple Bliss”, 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) resulting in purple skin and flesh.
It has been available in the US for several years.
A safety assessment by Food Standards Australia New Zealand last year found no public health or safety concerns with food derived from purple tomato lines containing Del/Ros1-N.
At the time, FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said this was the sixth genetically modified food being assessed through a shared process with Health Canada.
She said the tomatoes would be labelled as genetically modified under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code “ensuring consumers have the information they need to make informed choices”.
Last month, the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator approved the commercial release of the GM tomato, which is patented by California-based Norfolk Healthy Produce.
All Aussie Avocados Pty Ltd (trading as All Aussie Farmers) has been licenced to commercially release the tomato which can now grown throughout Australia.
The first commercial plants in Australia are expected to be grown in Queensland.
Seeds and seedlings will also be available to home gardeners.
