The 2 Surefire Ways to Know if You’re Buying the New GMO Apple
The Food and Drug Administration has recently approved some genetically modified varieties of apples and potatoes that do not bruise or brown. The agency says they are “as safe and nutritious as their [non-GMO] conventional counterparts,” yet is considering a label for the creations. But if history tells us anything, it’s that these products will not get a GMO label – so how will you know if you’re eating it?
Big biotech has created these GMO apples for numerous reasons, one being to reduce a genetic ‘issue’ in apples – the oxidation of the fruit which causes it to brown when it has been exposed to air. This natural browning is considered ‘a serious problem’ which causes a loss for the industry at every level.
Furthermore, the GMO fruit won’t “exhibit slicing damage, result in shrinkage, and put more money in grower’s pockets.” according to Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF), but that’s only if the public takes the bait.
How to Know if You’re Eating the GMO Arctic Apple
You may actually be able to identify these GMO apples by their sale name ‘Arctic’ — or perhaps an FDA-approved label that they are considered ‘non-browning.’ This is an indicator that we have not yet seen with genetically modified foods — and for good reason. After all, countless individuals would not actually purchase GMO foods (including the new GMO apple) if they carried an appropriate label.
But as mentioned, this label will not likely become a reality. So what does one do to avoid these creations?
1. Is the Apple 100% Organic?
United States and Canadian governments do not allow companies to label products 100% organic if they contain genetically modified foods. This, in theory, is a sure-fire way to ensure that you’re avoiding the new GMO arctic apple if it doesn’t already carry a special label.
2. Does the Apple Carry the “Non-GM” or “GMO-Free” Seal?
When searching for apples in a health food store that supplies organic produce, just look for signs indicating that the apples are organic and non-GMO. Many packaged products represent the NON-GMO Project verified seal, but in this case you’ll need to look for as many indicators as possible. It shouldn’t be difficult to tell the GMO and NON-GMO produce apart in any health food store (as opposed to your mainstream mega-grocery suppliers).
One last method to tell if you’re produce is GMO or not is to consider the numbered labels:
- Conventional Fruit Labels: Four digit numbers that begin with the number 4, and never begin with the number 9.
- Organic Fruit Labels: These fruit labels always contain 5 digits, and begin with the number 9. Always check and make sure, as some “organic” products have been known to be deceptively labeled.
Thanks for the information and the coding. I will never be buying these Arctic apples. Hopefully enough consumers will know enough to boycott them. Still hard to believe anyone stupid enough to want to risk their health to consume an apple just because it doesn’t turn brown.
I will never buy these apples. I love apples but if they are not organic I will not purchase. To put these things on the market is outrageous.
That is what makes America so great- it’s the people. That’s what got us out of Viet Nam- the groundswell of the American people. This is what will kill the GMO s.
No Arctic apples for me. I will write the supermarkets and tell them this is one consumer who won’t be buying. From what I understand many many more consumers will do the same thing. This is why Monsanto is so afraid of labeling and sharing their secrets.
Just one reason not to buy an apple- Anything the trolls tell you is safe.
When you buy apples, take one and slice it, wait for 2 hours. If it does not turn brown return remaining to the store and let them know.
Excellent idea although if it is a Cortland it will take longer to brown.
Shouldn’t have to do that. Let’s get it labeled.
Why are you concerned about this? What possible risks do you see?
Great idea! The more of us who speak up the better they will hear.
“Conventional Fruit Labels: Four digit numbers that begin with the number 4, and never begin with the number 9.” Labels that begin with a 9 are for GMO produce. However, I’ve read that since labeling of GMO’s isn’t required, you can buy produce with a four digit code starting with 4 and it still be GMO. BUYER BEWARE! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeffrey-smith/plu-codes-do-not-indicate_b_473088.html
This is correct because if the product has been “gene edited” fda does not consider it to be a gmo product and hence,no labeling. now they are fast tracking all kinds of fruits and vegetables that are off label gmo contaminated and allowing them to be sold with no gmo warning.
Non-browning will hide bruises and breaks in the skin from rough handling. Is that safe and healthy?
Pretty sure that the idea that there is some secret code in product label number is false. It sounds an awful lot like the claim that the coloured bars on the bottle of toothpaste tubes has some special meaning.
Will this genetic modification spread through pollination to existing trees? What effect is there on bee population? Does anyone even know these answers?
You are correct- there is no way of knowing until it is too late. When you try to play GOD without the qualifications you will get burnt every time.
absolutely…every time! That`s the problem trying to do it better than G`d
When in doubt slice an apple and wait. 🙂
We’re not going to win this fight. I personally don’t want to be a experiment statistic of the FDA or Monsanto!
I wanted to find this article useful, but after the second “shockingly,” I realized I needed to look elsewhere for something credible.
I think the main objective of these apples was to produce something that could be used in prepared fruit trays and fruit salads. They removed one gene that codes for an enzyme that causes browning. If you can’t live without that enzyme then you I guess you better avoid these apples. In my opinion if these help some kids choose fruits as a snack instead of Doritos these are a major success.
Choice is the key word here, if l choose not to eat genetically modified foods then please don’t trick me into eating it by not labeling it.
Requiring GMO labels is like putting “gluten free” on bottled water. An unnecessary, pandering waste of time.
In YOUR opinion, which sounds uninformed. You need to ask why any company has a problem telling us their food is GMO. There have been several studies done on this and rats grew huge tumors after GMO diet. They tried to tell us the study was fake, but the scientists sued and won. Do try to pay attention.
You are welcome to consume what you like. We ask for the same consideration. Label it.