Commercialized biotech apples approved in US

For the first time US regulators have
approved commercialized biotech
apples amid attempts by the organic
industry and other institutes to block
the genetically modified fruit.
The two apple varieties modified to resist
browning are developed by the Canadian
company Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc.,
and were approved by the US
Department of Agriculture's Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
on Friday.
The Canadian company is set to
commence marketing the biotech apples
under the commercial names of Arctic
Golden and Arctic Granny, Reuters
reported.
The apples are exactly the same as their
regular counterparts with the expectation
that they will maintain a fresh appearance
even after being sliced or receiving blows.
Neal Carter, president of Okanagan
referred to the approval as "a
monumental occasion."
"It is the biggest milestone yet for us,
and we can't wait until they're available
for consumers," he said in a statement.
The new variety of apples will become
available in small quantities in 2016 but
will not be widely distributed for some
time.
Biotech apples broadly opposed
The Organic Consumers Association
(OCA) had petitioned the US Department
of Agriculture to withhold approval, on
the premise that the genetic alterations
may prove harmful to humans and the
apples may require excess levels of
pesticides.
OCA Director Ronnie Cummins has said
that his organization will pressure food
companies and retailers not to sell the
fruits.
"This whole thing is just another big
experiment on humans for no good
reason," he said.
Several consumer, environmental and
science groups have stated worries that
the alterations may have unintentional
negative impacts on humans and other
species.
Okanagan said via a statement their
apples have undergone "rigorous review,"
and are "likely the most tested apples on
the planet."