A new “sunshine” tomato, developed by scientists at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, aims to combat global vitamin D deficiencies. This precision-bred tomato recently received the UK’s first marketing notice approval under new Precision Breeding laws.
Led by Prof. Cathie Martin, the team has enhanced tomatoes to contain high levels of pro-vitamin D3, a precursor to vitamin D, which is generated in the body through sunlight exposure. Vitamin D deficiencies can cause serious health issues, including rickets in children.
The genetic modifications made do not alter the plant’s appearance or growth but enable each tomato to deliver as much vitamin D as two eggs or 28 grams of tuna. The lab plans to create sweeter and striped variations for market as the “Sunshine” tomato, which will also need Food Standards Agency approval before reaching consumers. Prof. Martin believes this tomato could provide an affordable, plant-based solution to improve global diets.
