USDA Reopens Comment Period for GMO Arctic Apple

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reopened the public comment period for the Arctic apple, a genetically modified apple that doesn’t turn brown.

A Canadian company from British Columbia is the creator of the GMO apple - Okanagan Speciality Fruits Inc. is requesting non-regulated status for the apple so it can market to the conventional apple market.

The USDA agency, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is administering the public consultation. The agency first opened the comment period from Nov. 9 to Dec. 9, but has extended the deadline to Jan. 30 due to what they say have been numerous requests for additional time.

APHIS has already completed its environmental assessment of the apple, and was given the okay from U.S. government scientists. APHIS said that non-browning apples could be beneficial for fruit processing and may extend the shelf life of fresh apples sold in stores. If all goes well, the Arctic apple could be on grocery store shelves in the U.S. in fall 2015.  

If you’re interested in learning more about the Arctic apple, read an earlier story published on Farms.com entitled ‘Arctic Apple’ Won’t Brown When Cut.