New genetically modified (转基因) apples designed by a biology company are being released this fall but won't be labeled as GMOs (转基因生物). They're called Arctic apples, whose genes have been changed from their original Golden Delicious state to make sure that after the fruits are cut open and exposed to the air, their flesh won't turn brown in color.
The development company, Okanagan Specialty Fruits, says the apples may be on sale as bagged slices in up to 400 stores this season throughout the Midwest and Southern California. The fruit won't bear the standard "produced with genetic engineering" label because of a 2016 law allowing codes to be visible on the packaging that link to a website with information on how the fruit was made.
The apples were made using a technique called gene silencing. The Okanagan team engineered the fruit's DNA to produce less enzyme (酶) that causes the white, inner flesh to brown so that the new and improved slices will stay fresh for up to three weeks. Although there are only about 250 acres of Arctic apple trees currently planted across the US, the team hopes GMO fruits can reduce waste and increase apple sales overall.
While some experts believe that the Arctic apple's GMO status isn't harmful, groups opposing GMOs have started protesting the apples. An organization called Friends of the Earth claims that they're "understudied, unlabeled and unnecessary." Right now, apple slices treated with calcium and vitamin C can be purchased off Amazon with the promise of not browning before they arrive on the customer's doorstep. And, a little bit of lemon juice is an easier and more natural way to prevent cut apples from turning color for a few hours.
