Final answer:
Flavored vodka has a long history and comes in various natural flavors, and the Flavr Savr tomato is a genetically modified tomato with improved shelf life and flavor designed to resist soft rot.
Step-by-step explanation:
Flavored vodka is not a relatively recent phenomenon, and while it can be created at home, there may be legal restrictions depending on local laws regarding the distillation of spirits. The statement that flavored vodkas in the United States are largely based on spices is too broad; they can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, including fruits, herbs, and even candy. However, it’s important to note that these flavoring substances must be derived from natural plant or animal materials and processed in a way that's suitable for human consumption, with no artificial flavoring substances added, as per food regulation standards.
The Flavr Savr tomato, on the other hand, is indeed a variety of vine-ripened tomato found in supermarkets, which had been genetically engineered to have a better flavor and shelf-life and to resist soft rot.