Okanagan is currently seeking “deregulated status” from the USDA. Specifically, Okanagan will have to prove that their GMO apple crops are not significantly weaker against plant pests and therefore would not endanger other crops that are nearby. So far, the Arctic Granny Smith has shown increased incidence of a leaf-eating bug known as tentiform leafminer, but for the 13 other pests and diseases tested for by Okanagan, both varieties of Arctic apples have performed better or the same as conventional apples. The first of two public comment sessions closed in September 2012 and received nearly 2,000 comments. “We expect a second U.S. public comment period, which will be 30 days long, to open within the next few months and anticipate full U.S. deregulation later in 2013,” Neal Carter, president of Okanagan said in an interview last month. Okanagan is also voluntarily consulting with FDA to provide proof that Arctic apples are allergen and toxin free, and safe for human consumption. See here for a detailed description of Okanagan’s consultation with FDA. Several other GM fruit companies are closely watching Okanagan’s progress through the U.S. regulatory system and are poised to follow in Arctic’s footsteps and into our grocery stores, restaurants, and cafeterias. Okanagan itself is already developing GM peaches, pears, and cherries. Labeling Under current FDA regulations, GM foods are only required to be identified as such when they are substantially different from the natural version. Since Arctic apples are not considered by FDA to be substantially different from conventional apples, they will not require a label once they reach the U.S. market.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Jul 2013 12:14:46 +0000
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