Genetically engineered apples, potatoes "safe for consumption": FDA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said Friday two varieties of apples genetically engineered to resist browning when sliced or bruised and six varieties of potatoes altered to reduce black-spot bruising are "as safe and nutritious as their conventional counterparts."

The FDA said in a statement it has completed a case-by-case evaluation for the apples, known collectively by the trade name " Arctic Apples," and the potatoes, known collectively by the trade name "Innate," that resolves food safety issues prior to their commercial distribution.

Arctic Apples, developed by Canada's Okanagan Specialty Fruits and to be available in the Granny Smith and Golden Delicious varieties, are genetically engineered to resist browning associated with cuts and bruises by reducing levels of enzymes that can cause browning.

Innate potatoes, developed by a U.S. company called J. R. Simplot and to be available in the Ranger Russet, Russet Burbank and Atlantic varieties, are genetically engineered to reduce the formation of black spot bruises by lowering the levels of certain enzymes in the potatoes.

In addition, Innate potatoes are altered to produce less of a substance called acrylamide, which can form in some foods during high-temperature cooking, such as frying, and has been found to be carcinogenic in rodents.

The FDA regulates foods derived from genetically engineered plants through a voluntary consultation process with their developers.

As part of its consultation process, both Okanagan and Simplot submitted to the FDA a summary of their safety and nutritional assessments, including the nature of the molecular changes and the nutritional composition of the food compared to traditionally bred varieties.

The FDA said it has no further food safety questions at this time concerning food from these plant varieties.

Prior to the FDA approval, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has also approved the commercial planting of the gene-altered apples and potatoes.

Currently, there are no genetically engineered apples or potatoes in commercial production. Endite