GM Apple Approved

GM Apple Approved

GM Apple Approved. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Fruit Grower Report.

News came down on Friday that the Food and Drug Administration has approved two varieties of genetically modified apples. Both the green and gold varieties of Arctic Apples have been genetically altered to keep them from browning after being sliced and while the browning is a chemical reaction to contact with air and does not affect the apple it tends to turn off consumers. This is the first time a food product has been approved for an aesthetic modification. Part of FDA’s statement read, quote, “Foods derived from genetically engineered plants must meet the same legal standards, including safety standards, as foods derived from traditional plant breeding methods. To help developers of foods derived from genetically engineered plants comply with their obligations under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and FDA regulations, the FDA encourages them to participate in a voluntary consultation process with the agency prior to commercial distribution.” While some consumers won’t care about the browning issue, others will and no doubt there will still be a lot of noise being made by anti-GMO groups regarding the decision. I’d love to hear your comments on the ruling. Would you eat the apple? Log onto our website www.aginfo.net and leave me your comments.

That’s today’s Fruit Grower Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network of the West.

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