A company called Okanagan Specialty Fruits (recently acquired by US Bio-technology firm, Intrexon) has just received Canadian and US approval for its genetically modified (GM) “non-browning” apple – it does not brown when you slice it, for 15 days or more. The company says the GM apples “have more eye appeal: no yucky browning” – but, according to the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, (CBAN), sixty-nine per cent of Canadians don’t want it approved. Many groups representing fruit growers in Canada are also opposed. Consumer rejection and possible contamination from GM apples threatens the future of our apples, and the farmers who grow them. The apple will hit the market with two different varieties : Arctic granny and Arctic golden.
Lots of people who don’t object to the apple itself, believe strongly that the product should be labeled GM so consumers can make an informed choice.
Fred Steele, president of the BC Fruit Growers’ Association told the Penticton Western News, “I’m not arguing the science. But if (Health Canada) decided there’s no problem with it, then there should be no problem labelling it,” he said. “Let’s let the people decide. If it’s fine — fine. If it’s not, (consumers) will let them know.”
While scientific studies have not been able to identify any health risks, many pundits have said things like “how could a food that never goes bad possibly be good for you?”
