FOLATE-PACKED TOMATO

UF RESEARCHERS WORKING ON FOLATE-PACKED TOMATO
Researchers at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences have developed a tomato with a full day’s worth of folate in a single serving. The nutrient is essential for a healthy start to pregnancy and is traditionally found in leafy greens such as spinach. Most mothers-to-be do not receive adequate amounts of folate.
The researchers’ work to develop the genetically engineered tomato was published online March 5 by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The researchers said the tomato could potentially be beneficial worldwide, however, more studies must be completed before they will be able to seek FDA approval. “It can take years to get an engineered food plant approved by the FDA,” said one researcher.

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