World’s First GMO Apple Easy to Spot … Or Not

In a few months regulators are poised to approve the first genetically modified apple. The new fruit is expected in grocery stores as early as 2014. 

Made by Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF), the Arctic Apple comes in Golden and Granny Smith varieties, with Fuji, Gala, and others to follow. Unlike conventional apples, Arctic does not brown when sliced or bruised. 

The Arctic Apple differs from other genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in a very important way: consumers will be able to identify it. 

All fresh fruit will be labeled with an Arctic sticker, and processed foods containing more than 5 percent of Arctic Apples will bear the Arctic logo. Only pasteurized products such as juice and sauce will not be labeled. 

As big food manufacturers and bioengineering companies spend millions to squash campaigns aimed at identifying GMOs, Okanagan wants its product to stand out in the marketplace. 

In a series of videos addressing questions of safety and science, OSF owner, orchardist, and bioresource engineer Neal Carter said that unlike other GMO crops that are designed with traits that only benefit the farmer such as built-in pest control or pesticide resistance, Arctic Apples are designed with the consumer in mind.

Flavr Savr a Failure

OSF is not the first to try this business model. The Flavr Savr tomato, introduced in 1994, was the first commercialized GMO. Initially popular, the tomato was never profitable. Consumer concerns put an end to production of all products containing the tomato by 1998.

But Carter explained that farmers, retailers, and consumers alike can all find appeal in a non-browning apple.

“This is going to have something for everybody,” he said. 

Arctic’s non-browning feature promises to preserve nutrients including vitamin C, phenolics, and antioxidants lost in the browning process. It may also reduce food waste and save money. A nationwide poll found that a vast majority of apple eaters liked the idea. 

“We wanted to do something like the baby carrot model. We could stimulate apple consumption by having something that’s convenient and easy to eat,” said Carter. 

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