As spring gardening approaches, a new contender has entered the fray—the genetically modified (GM) purple tomato. Unlike its GM predecessors, the GM purple tomato is not destined solely for the fields of commercial agriculture—it has made its debut in the backyards of home gardeners across the United States.

With claims of heightened antioxidant levels and potential health benefits, this novel creation has stirred both excitement and controversy among consumers and scientists alike. Biotech investors hope it can usher in a new era of public trust in genetically engineered foods, while skeptics worry the tomatoes’ near-total lack of regulation or review may hide dangers to human health and the environment.