Even though GMOs have been part of the landscape for almost 30 years, most of the initial efforts involved high-commodity crops, such as corn, soy, cotton, sugar beet and canola. Of those early GMOs, only two – papaya and zucchini/summer squash – had (and still have) the potential to make an appearance in the produce section. The rest were primarily used either for animal feed or as inputs in processed food. 

Since that time, there has been a somewhat slow but steady release of new genetically modified produce into the marketplace. In 2015, the Institute for Responsible Technology provided anecdotal information on limited quantities of Innate genetically modified non-browning potatoes that had entered retail markets in approximately 10 states in the Midwest and Southeast during the previous year. 

Then, in the fall of 2017, the first Arctic Apple, the Arctic Golden, which was modified to be non-browning, entered retail stores in various test markets in the US and were sold online. Today, three varieties of sliced Arctic Apples – Goldens, Grannies, and Fujis – are available online and in retail stores in both the US and Canada. 

In October 2020, the genetically modified pink pineapple was launched in the US. Developed by Del Monte, the “Pinkglow” pineapple was modified to have pink, rather than yellow, flesh. Initially, the pineapples were available via a limited number of online retailers, but more recently, availability has been expanded to include retail stores in the US. 

In May 2023, we alerted you to the release of Conscious Greens genetically engineered mustard greens into the marketplace. The greens were developed by Pairwise Plants to be less bitter and marketed as a healthier choice for use as mixed salad greens. Later in the year, the developer decided that it did not want to be in the marketing business and so began a search for a partner to assume the marketing and distribution of Conscious Greens. 

In May of this year, Pairwise Plants announced a licensing agreement with Bayer to bring 10 products to an expanded market. Bayer anticipates re-releasing the genetically engineered mustard greens in North America in late summer/early fall 2024, with launches in other countries to follow. 

In summer 2023, we also began seeing genetically modified  "Bioengineered" sweet corn make an appearance in grocery stores around the country.

The most recent produce crop to launch in the US is the Empress purple tomato, which is marketed by Norfolk Healthy Produce (NHP) and was the focus of our April 2024 New GMO Alert. Marked by its deep purple flesh, the Empress purple tomato made its debut earlier in the year both as fresh produce at farmers’ markets and in retail and as limited-edition seeds marketed to home growers. NHP has recently announced that the next batch of purple tomato seeds will be available for sale in early December, and the number of retail stores featuring the genetically modified tomatoes has grown. NHP also revealed that it has created a collaboration with Orsetti Seeds to create new varieties of the purple tomato, including those designed for processing into salsas, juices and sauces. 

All this being said, the above crops represent only the beginning. Using new GMO techniques such as CRISPR, biotechnology developers are working on a whole variety of genetically modified fruits and vegetables, creating challenges for consumers who wish to avoid GMOs. These include crops such as: 

• Avocados 
• Bananas 
• Blackberries 
• Cherries 
• Cranberries 
• Grapefruit
• Grapes 
• Lettuce 
• Mushrooms 
• Onions 
• Oranges 
• Peas 
• Plums
• Raspberries 
• Strawberries 

However, not only has the number and types of crops exploded, but the traits have expanded as well. Some of these traits are targeted at farmers; others are meant to appeal to consumers. They include:  

• Faster growing 
• Higher yield 
• Drought tolerance 
• Disease/virus/fungus resistance 
• Non-browning/reduced bruising 
• Increased nutritional value (e.g., antioxidants, vitamin D) 
• Food as pharma (e.g., hypertension reduction) 
• Altered state (e.g., seedless/pitless) 
• Altered flavor profile (e.g., less bitter, spicy flavor)

Inasmuch as many of these new crops are being created using CRISPR and thus might not trigger the inclusion of a “Bioengineered” label under the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS), consumers will need to be more vigilant as they navigate the produce section. For more, check out our Pocket Guide to GMOs in Produce.

The Non-GMO Project’s Standard defines all crops and products developed using biotechnology, including new gene-editing techniques, as GMOs. We share this information to further one of the Project’s primary goals of creating greater transparency in the supply chain, ensuring you have the information you need to make the best choices for you, your brand, and your family. 

Please note that the information herein is for general informational purposes only and is based on the linked sources above.

The Non-GMO Project is a 510c3 nonprofit dedicated to protecting and promoting non-GMO alternatives. New GMO Alerts is supported by funding from readers like you. Donate today.