Genetically Modified Tomatoes

Edible food sources have been tested to deliver vaccines orally for example, transgenic potato tuber-based vaccines have been developed. Other food sources, such as bananas, tomatoes, and corn, are being tested in laboratories (see Section 11.12). Mucosal vaccines, utilizing genetically modified enterotox-ins, are delivered intranasally. Research in this area has to ensure the safety aspect of using enterotoxins. 

Le Gall, G. et al., Characterization and content of flavonoid glycosides in genetically modified tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruits, J. Agric. Food Chem., 51, 2438, 2003. 

A recent development has been the use of genetically modified plants to produce vaccine components. Examples include common foodstuffs such as tomatoes, bananas, potatoes, and com. The prospects for oral vaccines in bananas especially would appear to be promising since this is a staple food in many tropical countries. Vaccine epitopes have also been produced in the milk of goats, sheep, and cows although these may be difficult to purify, process, and formulate. 

As a consumer, you are continually being exposed to new products. Some of these products can be controversial. For example, foods such as tomatoes and soybeans are genetically modified organisms (GMOs). As a citizen of the world, it is your responsibility to become informed. You should know what is in the products you use. You should understand how to use them appropriately and safely, and how to dispose of them in a responsible manner. 

Figure 5.1. Selection strategies for fresh tomatoes and wood genetic modified fruit (market pull) contrasted with classical hreeding for tree form, vigour and health (product push).

DNA-free food [8], Ordinary tomatoes do not contain genes but genetically modified ones do . True or false ... 

Noteborn, H.P.J.M., Kuiper, H.A. and Jones, D.D. (1994). Safety assessment strategies for genetically modified plant products A case study of Bacillus thuringiensis-toxin tomato. In Proc. 3rd Int. Symp on The Biosafety Results of Field Tests of Genetically Modified Plants and Organisms (Young, A.L. and Economidis, 1., Eds). USD A, Monterey, USA, pp. 199-207. 

H-NMR spectra of methanolic extracts of control and genetically modified varietals of tomatoes have been analyzed using chemometric techniques. It was possible to assess variations in several metabolites. H, H, and solid-state magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectra have been recorded for tomato skin and potato tissue, providing information on the structure and dynamics of the cuticle polyesters. 

Noteborn, HPJ, M.E. Bienenmann-Ploum, J.H.J. van den Berg, G.M. Alink, L. Zolla, A. Reynaerts, M. Pensa, and H.A. Kuiper. 1995. Safety assessment of the Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal crystal protein CRYIA(b) expressed in tomato. In Engel, K.-H., G.R. Takeoka, and R. Teranishi (Eds.), Genetically Modified Foods Safety Issues. American Chemical Society, Washington, DC. p 134-147. 

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