Non-tanning GM apples in the USA

US Department of Agriculture allows cultivation of GM apples

02/19/2015

While in this country genetically modified foodstuffs are evaluated extremely critically and the state deals with any approvals accordingly restrained, are already in the US numerous GM foods on the market. Now, a GM apple, which does not turn brown after being cut, has been approved for cultivation. Against the background of the implementation of "TTIP" in the near future, a topic in this country.

Despite tens of thousands of objections, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted approval for cultivation to the genetically engineered apples of Canadian biotech company Okanagan Specialty Fruits following a final risk assessment. The so-called „Arctic“-Apples available in the Golden Delicious and Granny Smith varieties are said to "pose no risk to other plants or the environment," the ministry reports. A health assessment, however, was not the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which was responsible for the food safety of the apples.

GM apples already on the market in 2015?
Among the 175,000 objections that the authorities have received regarding the approval of GMO apples, the US Department of Agriculture has issued numerous references to concerns over the safety of GM apples for human consumption. There were also many concerns about the potential impact on exports of US apples to foreign countries. Last but not least, many people doubted the need for non-browning apples. This is just a cosmetic aspect to which consumers have already become accustomed. The company Okanagan Specialty Fruits is nevertheless convinced of the success of the GM apples and plans to launch them in 2016 according to media reports. (Fp)

Image: Timo Klostermeier