Okanagan Specialty Fruits says its genetically modified apple is the perfect solution for people who want a convenient snack that solves the age-old problem of apple browning.
But the U.S. apple industry is taking a stand against the Arctic Apple, fearing that the introduction of the first genetically-modified food that shoppers can take a bite out of will harm the apple's traditional image as a smart, healthy snack choice.
But what exactly is the Arctic Apple?
According to Okanagan Specialty Fruits: "The science is relatively simple; we "turn off" the genes that makes apples brown. We insert nonbrowning apple genes to replace the genes that usually trigger enzymatic browning. However, apparently Arctic Apple trees and their fruit are identical to other apples. Until you bite or cut the apple, then Arctic Apples’ difference is very clear. Everyone benefits from a nonbrowning apple, from the grower to you, the consumer"
The USDA will begin accepting public comments Friday on the petition to approve the genetically modified apples.
U.S. growers' groups have raised concerns that the gene used to modify the Arctic Apples could contaminate conventional fruit.
The first Arctic Apples that would go to grocery store shelves in the U.S. would be Golden Delicious and Granny Smith varieties.
The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, an advocacy organization opposed to the genetically modified apple, released a consumer poll earlier this month that showed that 69 percent of shoppers were opposed to genetically modified apples.
American consumers have 60 days to comment on the Okanagan Specialty Foods' petition.
And what do you think? Write us, we are waiting for your opinions.
Would you still eat an apple a day to keep the doctor away if that apple had been genetically modified to keep it from turning brown?
- Tags: Grower Approval Genetically Modified Apple Won’t Turn Brown Canadian fruit grower U.S. Department of Agriculture marketing nonbrowning Arctic Apple States Okanagan Specialty Fruits perfect people convenient snack age-old problem apple browning first genetically-modified food shoppers bite image healthy snack choice science turn off apples brown genes enzymatic Arctic Apple trees fruit cut USDA public comments Friday U.S. growers' groups contaminate conventional fruit grocery store Golden Delicious Granny Smith varieties Canadian Biotechnology Action Network organization consumer poll 69 percent opposed to genetically modified apples American consumers 60 days to comment Okanagan Specialty Foods' petition
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