USDA approves new line of genetically engineered apples

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced plans on Friday to de-regulate two varieties of apples that are genetically engineered to resist browning when bruised, sliced or bitten into.

In a letter to stakeholders on Friday, the USDA’s Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service said the genetically engineered apples developed by the company Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc. pose no risks to agriculture or other plants. 

{mosads}Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc. apple varieties will be marketed as the Arctic Granny and the Acrtic Golden. But these apples are already drawing criticism from food safety groups.

The Center for Food and Safety said the apples, developed using a relatively new form of genetic engineering called RNA interference or gene slicing, are being marketed to fresh-cut apple slice processors and the food service industry.

The advocacy group said these apples could find their way into non-GE fruit slicers, baby foods or apple sauces, which are products that are consumed by children who are at an increased risk for any adverse health affects.

“This product is completely unnecessary and poses numerous risks to apple growers, the food industry and consumers,” Andrew Kimbrell, the executive director for Center for Food Safety, said in a release. “For USDA to turn a blind eye to these risks for such an inessential technological ‘advance’ is foolish and potentially costly.”

USDA said Okanagan is currently going through a voluntary food safety assessment consultation with the Food and Drug Administration for its Arctic Apples.