Neighbor News
The Latest GMO is the Apple
Apples have now been genetically engineered to resist browning when sliced or bruised.
Nobody likes an apple that looks unappetizing, but beware of the cost of a good appearance
GMO apples are on their way to about 400 grocery stores in the Midwest. These GMO apples were developed by Okanagan Specialty Fruits.
These GMO apples are bio-engineered to suppress the production of the enzyme called polyphenol oxidase, which causes the browning of the apple.
Find out what's happening in Ramseyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The first three varieties of these "Arctic Apples" are the Arctic Golden, the Arctic Granny and the Arctic Fuji.
These 3 varieties of apples were deregulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Two in 2015 and the third in 2016.
Find out what's happening in Ramseyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
This is the first Genetically modified organism (GMO) that was designed solely for the perceived benefit of a more appealing appearance by consumers.
Right now, there are not too many GMO apples being grown. As of November 2017, there are only about 280 acres of GMO apple trees growing in Washington state. Okanagan Specialty Fruits are planning on increasing to more than 1,000 acres within 3 years and expanding to other countries and other produce.
This is just the beginning.
Bill Freese is science-policy analyst at the advocacy group Center for Food Safety. He is calling for these apples to be clearly labeled as GMOs. As of now, there are no regulations to require such labeling.