Genetically Modified Foods: Overview: Biotechnology on the Farm

The first genetically engineered vegetable grown and released for sale in the United States was the Flavr Savr tomato. Developed by Calgene (later a division of Monsanto), the tomato was approved by the USDA in 1992 and commercialized in 1994. The engineering consisted of insertion of a gene back to front, which delayed softening of the tomatoes as they ripened. In theory the tomatoes could be left to ripen longer on the plant without becoming too soft for packing and shipping. The Flavr Savr tomato was withdrawn from the market in 1996. Crop yields had been low, and there was not enough consumer interest.