Event EF2-114 Pineapple
In 2020, Health Canada received a submission to allow the sale of a genetically modified (GM) pineapple variety referred to as Event EF2-114 (which will be marketed as PinkGlow™ pineapple). This pineapple variety has been genetically modified to exhibits pink-coloured fruit flesh through elevated expression of lycopene.
In order to determine whether this GM pineapple variety could be sold in Canada as food, the scientists at Health Canada conducted a scientific assessment that ensured this variety is safe for consumption. Our scientists also needed to assess how this GM pineapple variety was developed and whether the event can be toxic or cause allergic reactions.
Scientists with expertise in molecular biology, microbiology, toxicology, chemistry, and nutrition conducted a thorough analysis of the data and the protocols provided by the applicant to ensure the validity of the results.
Following this assessment, it was determined that the changes made to this GM pineapple variety do not pose a greater risk to human health than pineapple varieties currently available on the Canadian market. In addition, Health Canada also concluded that this GM pineapple variety would have no impact on allergies, and that, with the exception of the intended increased levels of lycopene, there are no other differences in the nutritional value of this GM pineapple variety compared to other traditional pineapple varieties available for consumption.
Health Canada's assessment of Event EF2-114 pineapple was conducted according to the Guidelines for the Safety Assessment of Novel Foods. The approach taken by Health Canada in the safety assessment of GM foods is based upon scientific principles developed through expert international consultation over the last 20 years with agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The approach taken by Canada is currently applied by regulatory agencies around the world in countries such as the European Union, Australia/New Zealand, Japan, and the United States.