Are Americans ready for their first genetically engineered fruit? The Arctic Apple, developed by Okanagan Specialty Fruits is getting ready to hit supermarket shelves in 2014. Okanagan Specialty Fruits, is a biotech company that focuses on “enhancing” fruit by making them more resilient to ailments such as bruising and browning. Okanagan has created “enhanced” versions of the ever popular Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples (Arctic Apples) that will be less susceptible to the harmless enzyme that is responsible for the browning effect apples experience after being cut. This is a decade long endeavor that has finally reached the last leg of its expensive and exhausting process. My solution to the problem… don’t cut your apples, bite them!
Tag Archives: genetically engineered food
Does That Apple Look A Little Big To You?
Proposition 37, which sought to require Big Food companies to properly label genetically-modified foods (GMO’s), recently failed among California voters. GMO’s are formulated through genetic engineering and often require exposure to radiation or chemicals to serve as a catalyst in the transformation. GMO leaders, most notably Missouri-based Monsanto, allotted over $45 million towards a “No on 37” campaign to fight the proposition’s approval. The movement also received contributions from Coca-Cola, Nestle, and Kraft and took part in misrepresentation of the act that boasts “Stop the deceptive food labeling scheme.” The Big Food propaganda was ultimately a success, as it is believed that many whom voted against Prop 37 were swayed by the aggressive campaign.