Apples genetically modified to be non-browning have been approved for commercial sale in Canada.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada announced March 20 that the Arctic Apple, developed by Okanagan Specialty Fruits of Summerland, B.C., is “as safe and nutritious as traditional apple varieties.”
The United States announced its deregulation of the apple in February, clearing the way for commercial production there.
OSF has developed two varieties of the GM apple, a Golden and a Granny Smith.
The variety’s development and bid for commercial approval has been controversial. Associations and groups averse to genetically modified food voiced objections and concerns that the trait would spread to conventional varieties through inadvertent pollination.
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South Korean apple farmers, who account for about a third of the roughly 14,000 households in the sleepy rural area of Cheongsong county, worry that their way of life could be under threat from an influx of cheap U.S. imports.
OSF president Neal Carter has repeatedly countered those concerns with results from various studies and government reviews.
In its announcement, Health Canada said it had conducted a scientific assessment of the Arctic apply using its guidelines for safety assessment of novel foods.
“Health Canada also concluded that the Arctic apple would have no impact on allergies, and that there are no differences in the nutritional value of the Arctic apple compared to other traditional apple varieties available for consumption.”
The Health Canada news release did not address the issue of potential gene spread. Its mandate is to address human health issues that might be involved.
Arctic apples do not brown when bitten or sliced and retain fresh colour for up to 15 days. Carter said the trait is expected to improve the market for fresh-cut fruit.
In a news release, OSF said the apples would initially be sold in late 2016 in small quantities in test markets.
The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, a critic of the GM apple, said on its website that most consumers do not want it and is encouraging consumers to ask their stores not to sell it.
Contact barb.glen@producer.com
