If an apple didn’t turn brown, how would you know how old it is? That’s one question at the heart of the genetically modified apple controversy. And today is the deadline to submit comment to the U.S. Department of Agriculture about the “Arctic Apple.”

Okanagan Specialty Fruit has developed a GMO Golden and Granny Smith apple that is designed to keep its color, rather than oxidize (turn brown) after being exposed to air for a few hours. Opponents are offended at the purely cosmetic purpose of the genetic tampering. But maker, Okanagan, says the genetic engineering is more than skin deep – addressing economic costs of browning, from tree to table.

Rebecca Webb
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