US Apple stands firm against GM Arctic apples
"Full deregulation would allow the free and open planting of trees which produce these apples," Mark A. Gedris, director of membership and communications for USApple, said. "No one is asking for this apple, and the concensus on genetically modified produce is still much too vague for the government or for the general public to feel secure."
As the world heads into a new era of genetically engineered foods, Mr. Gedris questions whether people want this apple leading the way.
"We do not want the Arctic growing in the U.S. for a couple of reasons," he noted. "Aside from public concerns about health issues related to GMO foods, U.S. apple growers have strong partnerships with customers in other countries around the world, and many of these countries have banned GMO foods."
Okanagan Specialty Fruits also issued a press release July 13 in which Neal Carter, the company's founder and president stated, "We are delighted to reach this important milestone in the U.S., and to be one of the first to participate in the expanded APHIS review processes."
Mr. Gedris said that USApple does not support the regulatory proposal pending before the USDA to fully deregulate genetically engineered Arctic apples.
He added that most apple juice is fortified with vitamin C, and that sliced fresh apples are already on the marketplace with great success, such as the packaged apple slices that come in McDonald's Happy Meals.
"We expect the government agencies to make a final decision in approximately a year," said Mr. Gedris. "USApple informed USDA's APHIS last year of our opposition to the full deregulation of these [genetically engineered] apples. Our position remains unchanged."
Source: producenews.com