WASHINGTON (AP) -- Don't expect to see them too soon, but they could be coming to your local grocery store - two types of apples genetically modified to resist turning brown after they're bruised or sliced.<br />
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The development could boost sales of apples for snacks, salads and other uses.<br />
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Arctic Golden and Arctic Granny Smith are being developed by a Canadian company, Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc. of Summerland, British Columbia.<br />
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The Agriculture Department gave its OK on Friday - saying the apples aren't likely to pose a plant pest risk and or have "a significant impact on the human environment."<br />
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The first Arctic apples are expected to be available in late 2016 in small, test-market quantities.<br />
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It takes apple trees several years to produce significant quantities, so it will take time before the genetically-modified apples are widely distributed.<br />
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"We can't wait until they're available for consumers," said the company's president and founder, Neal Carter.<br />
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Apples brown quickly after they are cut open and exposed to air. The browning-resistant varieties are considered especially desirable for use as pre-sliced apples, in fruit salad and salad bars, and in the manufacturing of juice.<br />
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The company said it is working on developing other browning-resistant apple varieties as well.<br />
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The nonprofit Center for Food Safety questioned whether browning-resistance will mask apples that no longer are fresh. The Environmental Working Group said the government's decision to allow marketing of the apples shows the need for mandatory, clear-labeling of genetically modified foods.<br />
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The Food and Drug Administration is not required to approve genetically engineered crops for consumption, but most companies will go through a voluntary safety review process with the FDA before they put them on the market.
