<P> The FDA stated that special labeling for these modified tomatoes was not necessary because they have the essential characteristics of non-modified tomatoes . Specifically, there was no evidence for health risks, and the nutritional content was unchanged . </P> <P> The failure of the Flavr Savr has been attributed to Calgene's inexperience in the business of growing and shipping tomatoes . </P> <P> In the UK, Zeneca produced a tomato paste that used technology similar to the Flavr Savr . Don Grierson was involved in the research to make the genetically modified tomato . Due to the characteristics of the tomato, it was cheaper to produce than conventional tomato paste, resulting in the product being 20% cheaper . Between 1996 and 1999, 1.8 million cans, clearly labelled as genetically engineered, were sold in the major supermarket chains Sainsbury's and Safeway UK . At one point the paste outsold normal tomato paste but sales fell in the autumn of 1998 . </P> <P> The House of Commons of the United Kingdom published a report in which they stated that the decline in sales during this period was linked to changing consumer perceptions of genetically modified crops . The report identified several possible factors, including product labeling and perception of choice, lobbying campaigns, and media attention . It concluded that the tone of media reports on the subject underwent a "fundamental shift" in response to a high - profile incident in which Dr. Arpad Pusztai, a researcher for Rowett Research Institute, was fired after making a televised claim about detrimental health effects in lab rats fed a diet of genetically modified potatoes (see the Pusztai affair). Subsequent peer review and testimony by Dr. Pusztai led the House Science and Technology Select Committee to conclude that his initial claim was "contradicted by his own evidence ." In the intervening period, Sainsbury's and Safeway both pledged that none of their house brand products would contain genetically modified ingredients . </P>

When was the first genetically engineered drug available to buy