Genetically modified Arctic Apple could soon arrive in Midwest stores

Although many consumers are opposed to GMOs, one company is betting on the market potential of a genetically modified apple that reportedly never browns. Produced by Canadian company Okanagan Specialty Fruits in Summerland, B.C., the Arctic Apple will be sold sliced in 10-ounce bags as a convenient snack. The product could arrive in undisclosed Midwestern grocery stores by Feb. 1, according to an article posted Jan. 24 on ChicagoTribune.com.

“We see this as less about genetic modification and more about convenience,” stated Neal Carter, the founder of Okanagan Specialty Fruits, in the article. A bio-resource engineer, Carter first planted his non-browning Golden Delicious and Granny Smith apples in 2003.

The reason apples turn brown is the enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO). “We’ve figured out a precise way to reduce the amount of PPO in Arctic apples,” noted the company on its website, without providing additional details.

Friends of the Earth, the Center for Food Safety and other environmental and consumer groups have voiced strong opposition to the apple.

To learn more, read the article at http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-arctic-apple-gmo-20170124-story.html.