USDA approves genetically modified purple tomatoes

WASHINGTON (WJLA) — A team of scientists secured approval from the United States Department of Agriculture to sell genetically modified purple tomatoes in grocery stores across the country.

Norfolk Plant Sciences, the team that made the tomatoes, said this variety has more antioxidants and longer shelf life than the garden red tomatoes.

According to their website, their purple tomatoes produce the highest levels of anthocyanins, which are antioxidant compounds with widely recognized health benefits.

The team's next stop is to get the thumbs up from the Food and Drug Administration, then the big purple tomatoes are off to store shelves.