Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Gerber Says NO to Non-Browning GMO Arctic Apples

If you ever buy kid’s meals at Wendy’s you’ll be happy to know that the apples they serve will not be GM ‘Arctic apples’ as per a recent statement by the company. The company reportedly confirmed in April via email to Friends of the Earth that it has no plans to sell Arctic apples. McDonald’s and Gerber have also reportedly stated that they won’t be using this GM apple variety. Can we trust them?

Wendy’s, McDonald’s, and other Big Food companies don’t exactly have the best track record when it comes to serving healthy food, but mega corporations like these are becoming less and less relevant to a public who is increasingly interested in what they are being served.

Lisa Archer, food and technology program director at Friends of the Earth said:

“Wendy’s is wisely listening to its customers by joining other major food companies and apple growers in rejecting this unnecessary and risky genetically engineered apple. It’s becoming increasingly clear that there is no demand for this new GMO.”

Even with HR 1599, the DARK (Deny American’s the Right to Know) Act pending approval, Americans have made it very clear that they don’t want GM food. Consumer outcry over the USDA and FDA’s approval led environmental and consumer organizations to ask Burger King, Wendy’s Company, Subway, and others to refrain from selling the Arctic apple, which may pose numerous environmental, health and economic risks.

Even apple growers and growing associations have opposed the GM Arctic Apple. US Apple and the Northwest Horticultural Council (representing Washington apple growers, who grow more than 60 percent of U.S. apples), have iced concern over the GMO apple, some explaining that potential cross-contamination may cause important export markets such as Europe and China to reject U.S. grown apples or require costly testing and certifications from farmers and exporter companies.

We’ve been growing apples GMO-free in this country for hundreds of years. We certainly don’t need genetically modified, non-browning apples now. At least Wendy’s and a few other Big Food brands are listening to the public on this issue, but that still leaves numerous questionable ingredients in their ‘food.’