Pink Pineapple Apple Pen? Authorities OK pink pineapples

'Pen Pineapple Apple Pen' by Japanese comedian Pikotaro may be the runaway song in 2016, but pink pineapples look set to take centre stage in 2017.

After an evaluation of pink flesh pineapples by food producer Del Monte, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that the modified pineapple is as safe and nutritious as its conventional counterpart.

According to the FDA, the pineapples, known as Rosé, have been genetically modified to lower its production of enzymes producing the yellow pigment we are familiar with.

This modification will allow the natural pink pigment, Lycopene, in pineapples to be more apparent.

"Lycopene is the pigment that makes tomatoes red and watermelons pink, so it is commonly and safely consumed," FDA added in its statement.

According to media reports, Del Monte started development of the pink pineapple way back in 2005 to genetically modify the fruit.

[embed]https://twitter.com/AgBioWorld/status/809392377173573632[/embed]

While pink pineapples would be the perfect auspicious fruit for superstitious Chinese, don't expect any pink pineapples hitting our shores anytime soon - at least not in time for Chinese New Year.

To date, there are still no pink pineapples sold on shelves, so all photos you see online have probably undergone digital enhancement, our top photo included.

"Although Del Monte will market this pineapple in the United States, they are not planning on growing it here," FDA noted.

"The company is working with the government of Costa Rica on this matter."

grongloh@sph.com.sg