How will lycopene-enhanced tomatoes be kept separate from other tomatoes?
Once the scientists have completed their tests, and the regulatory authorities have approved the commercialization of the tomatoes, plant breeders will begin producing special seeds that farmers can purchase. Farmers who choose to grow these tomatoes will keep them separated from other tomatoes using the identity preservation (IP) system. IP has been used in many circumstances, for example, to keep separate specialty wheats for bread and specialty barley for beer. In the grocery store, the tomatoes must be labelled because the lycopene content is outside the normal range for tomatoes. Also, the tomatoes will be eligible to carry the health claim, “A healthy diet rich in a variety of vegetables and fruit may help reduce the risk of some types of cancer.” There is no specific health claim for lycopene in Canada yet.
