USDA asked to approve GMO apple

Date:12-02-2010

A Canadian biotechnology company has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to approve a genetically modified apple that won’t turn brown soon after it is sliced.

The company licensed the non-browning technology from Australian researchers who Pioneered it in potatoes.  Theirs’ is the first petition the USDA has received for GMO apples.

U.S. apple growers are taking a wait-and-see approach to the new technology.  Todd Fryhover, president of the apple commission in Washington State, says, quote, “Genetically modified—that’s a bad word in our industry”, end quote.  He says the industry needs a lot more information on the technology before deciding if it’s a good idea.