Protecting Our Food, Our Farms & Our Environment
Tell the USDA: No GE Apples!
A Canadian company is asking the USDA to approve a genetically engineered (GE) apple that will not brown when sliced.
We know that sliced apples turn brown when they’re exposed to oxygen, but they don't lose any flavor or nutritional value, and not even the apple industry wants this genetically engineered product.
Apples are supposed to be a natural, healthy snack. Genetically engineered apples are niether.
Sign the Petition Telling the USDA to reject the GE Apple!
I am writing to urge you not to approve Okanagan Specialty Fruit’s petition for deregulation of its genetically engineered, non-browning “Arctic” apple.
The genetic engineering of such a commonly grown fruit could cause contamination of nearby organic or conventional apple orchards. Unlabeled GE apples could also find their way into non-GE fruit slices, juice, baby foods or apple sauce at the processing level, products predominantly consumed by children and babies who are at increased risk for any adverse health effects.
The U.S. Apple Association, Northwest Horticultural Council (which represents Washington apple growers, who grow over 60% of the apples in the U.S.), British Columbia Fruit Growers Association and other grower groups have already voiced their disapproval of these GE apples due to the negative impact they could have on farmers growing organic and non-GE apples, and the apple industry as a whole.
This product is completely unnecessary and poses several risks to apple growers, the food industry and consumers. USDA should NOT approve this GE apple variety.
The genetic engineering of such a commonly grown fruit could cause contamination of nearby organic or conventional apple orchards. Unlabeled GE apples could also find their way into non-GE fruit slices, juice, baby foods or apple sauce at the processing level, products predominantly consumed by children and babies who are at increased risk for any adverse health effects.
The U.S. Apple Association, Northwest Horticultural Council (which represents Washington apple growers, who grow over 60% of the apples in the U.S.), British Columbia Fruit Growers Association and other grower groups have already voiced their disapproval of these GE apples due to the negative impact they could have on farmers growing organic and non-GE apples, and the apple industry as a whole.
This product is completely unnecessary and poses several risks to apple growers, the food industry and consumers. USDA should NOT approve this GE apple variety.