Flavr Savr

Flavr Savr is a Genetically modified tomato, was the first commercially grown genetically engineered food to be granted a license for human consumption. It was first sold in 1994, and was only available for a few years before production ceased in 1997. It was developed by a company called Calgene , but mounting costs prevented the company from becoming profitable, and it was eventually acquired by Monsanto Company. The idea to develop Flavr Savr was to slow the ripening process of the tomato and thus prevent it from softening, while still allowing the tomato to retain its natural color and flavor.