Agriculture officials had given the go signal for the first genetically modified apples to be planted in the U.S., causing debates over food safety to flare up again.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the approval Friday, saying the apples did not pose risks to other plants.  Under U.S. law, approval for genetically modified crops will only be granted if the product does not pose threat to other plants.

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The Arctic apple, designed by the Canadian company Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc., does not brown when sliced.  This characteristic is seen to benefit restaurants, groceries, and other companies which offer pre-sliced apples.  

"We really know that getting the consumer to buy in to the product and the technology has to be the priority," Okanagan co-founder Neal Carter said.

The Arctic apple resists browning from cutting, bruising or biting.  But Carter said it will still decay naturally. The browning of an apple happens when an enzyme called PPO reacts when the apple is cut or ruptured.  This is called the oxidation process.  In genetically modified apples, the PPO enzyme is greatly reduced, or removed.

Carter hopes the Arctic apple will be widely accepted by consumers, just like baby carrots whose market grew rapidly in the carrot industry.

Two apple varieties are in the offing: the Arctic Granny and the Arctic Golden, the modified versions of the Granny Smith and the Golden Delicious.

Some apple farmers are not happy.  They said the Arctic apple might discourage consumers who can't tell between modified and conventionally grown varieties. They urge the USDA to revoke the approval.

Consumer and environmental groups echoed the concern of the apple growers, saying the apple could pose risks to human health.

The Food and Drug Administration is still reviewing the Arctic apple, a spokeswoman said.

The FDA is mandated to make sure the apple is safe to eat.  However, its approval is not a requirement for the company to start producing the apples.

TagsGMO, apples, arctic apples, USDA, FDA