A pineapple variety genetically engineered by Del Monte Fresh Produce to have pink flesh has received backing from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

The organization concluded there were 'no unresolved safety or regulatory questions' about the fruit, which will be grown in Costa Rica.

"[The company] submitted information to the agency to demonstrate that the pink flesh pineapple is as safe and nutritious as its conventional counterparts," the FDA said.

"[Its] new pineapple has been genetically engineered to produce lower levels of the enzymes already in conventional pineapple that convert the pink pigment lycopene to the yellow pigment beta carotene. Lycopene is the pigment that makes tomatoes red and watermelons pink, so it is commonly and safely consumed."

The FDA said Del Monte plans to sell the variety as 'extra sweet pink flesh pineapple', distinguishing it from its golden 'extra sweet pineapple' which was introduced in the 1990s.

"[Del Monte] participated in a voluntary consultation with FDA’s Office of Food Additive Safety about the pineapple," the FDA said.

"During that consultation, [it] submitted information to FDA scientists regarding characteristics of the new plant variety, the nature and effect of the genetic change, potential unexpected or unintended effects that could accompany the genetic change, and the nutritional assessment.

"After review of that data FDA scientists concluded that there were no unresolved safety or regulatory issues under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) for the genetically engineered pink flesh pineapple."

The government body highlighted that a consultation was not synonymous with FDA approval.

"Rather, it is voluntary and helps developers of food ensure that foods derived from new plant varieties are safe and comply with the FD&C Act and FDA’s regulations," it said.

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