A post on X (formerly Twitter) claims that the University of California has perfected the technology to put vaccines in lettuce and tomatoes. Since it was published on July 23, 2024, more than 900,000 users have viewed the post (archived here).
The post is misleading because it claims the technology to put vaccines in tomatoes has already been perfected. Although the university has indeed started developing edible vaccines, such food is currently unavailable to consumers, as research is far from complete.
In fact
This post is accompanied by a video of Rep. Scott Cepicky’s speech to the Tennessee General Assembly on the Food Labeling Bill (HB1894). On February 21, 2024, he introduced a food labeling bill to the state’s House Health Committee, which was later passed. The Bill prohibits the manufacture, sale or delivery, storage, or offer for sale of any food containing a vaccine or vaccine material unless the food label prominently displays a statement indicating the presence of the vaccine or vaccine material in the food.
Related on the SLP
The law acts as a “precautionary measure” as no evidence exists that such food is currently available. According to researchers writing in Phytotherapy Research, no edible vaccine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration because such vaccines are considered genetically engineered crops.
