Dive Brief:
- The Food and Drug Administration gave its seal of approval to the two GMO apple varieties produced by Okanagan Specialty Fruits, Inc., dubbed "Arctic Apples," and six potato varieties, called "Innate," by J.R. Simplot Company, according to a news release.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture previously approved these products, the apples last month and the potato back in November.
- The potatoes are engineered to limit the forming of black spot bruises as well as make less acrylamide that can develop during high-heat cooking, while the apples are engineered to combat browning.
Dive Insight:
This news will likely generate quite an uproar from anti-GMO advocates, and there are still a great number of questions at hand — one of them involving labeling.
As of now, the FDA does not have more questions regarding the food safety of these products.
According to the release, "In certain circumstances, characteristics of these varieties of apples and potatoes that differ from their conventional counterparts may require disclosure to the consumer. Both companies are encouraged to consult with the FDA about potential labeling requirements."