Today, FDA announced in a news release it has completed its evaluation for two varieties of apples genetically engineered by Okanagan Specialty Fruits, Inc., and for six potato varieties genetically engineered by J. R. Simplot Company.
Arctic Golden slices (bottom) are seen compared to conventional Golden Delicious apple slices. (Photo credit: Okanagan Specialty Fruits)
The agency concluded the apples and potatoes are as safe and nutritious as their conventional counterparts.
Okanagan’s Granny Smith and Golden Delicious varieties of apples, known collectively by the trade name “Arctic Apples,” are genetically engineered to resist browning associated with cuts and bruises.
Ranger Russet, Russet Burbank, and Atlantic potatoes, varieties from Simplot collectively known by the trade name “Innate,” are genetically engineered to reduce the formation of black spot bruises by lowering the levels of certain enzymes in the potatoes. The spuds also are engineered to produce less acrylamide, a chemical that has been linked to cancer in animals.
According to the news release, foods derived from genetically engineered plants must meet the same legal standards, including safety standards, as foods derived from traditional plant breeding methods. To help those developing foods derived from genetically engineered plants comply with their responsibilities under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and FDA regulations, FDA encourages them to take part in a voluntary consultation process with the agency before commercially distributing the product.
As part of the consultation process, both Okanagan, of British Columbia, Canada, and Simplot, of Boise, ID, submitted to FDA a summary of their safety and nutritional assessments.
“The consultation process includes a review of information provided by a company about the nature of the molecular changes and the nutritional composition of the food compared to traditionally bred varieties,” said Dennis Keefe, Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Office of Food Additive Safety. “This case-by-case safety evaluation ensures that food safety issues are resolved prior to commercial distribution.”
According to the news release, FDA has no additional food safety questions concerning food from these plant varieties. It is a company’s continuing responsibility to ensure that food it markets is safe and in compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. In certain circumstances, characteristics of these varieties of apples and potatoes that differ from their conventional counterparts may require disclosure to the consumer. Both companies are encouraged to consult with the FDA about potential labeling requirements, FDA states.
Click here for more information from the Center for Science In The Public Interest.
For more information about Innate, go to www.simplot.com/news/innate_potato_receives_fda_safety_clearance.