GMO Food…How Do you Know?

One of the most controversial new food products has finally hit shelves. Have you seen it? Have you eaten it? The new non-browning Arctic apples have been causing discussions, questions, and concerns regarding genetically modified food and whether or not consumers should be able to know what they are eating. The fact that these Arctic apples are genetically modified is not disclosed anywhere on the product’s packaging. However, many consumer advocate groups, like the Environmental Working Group, are fighting for transparency.

How is this apple made? According to the Arctic apple website, browning is caused by the rupture of the cell, through biting, slicing, or bruising, which releases polyphenol oxidase (PPO). This PPO from the broken cell mixes with polyphenolics, causing a brown melatonin to be released that discolors your apple. Arctic apples don’t release PPO (or release very little), so this reaction doesn’t occur. There were four genes that needed to be modified to stem the release of PPO, which was accomplished using RNA interference that works by adding an extra strand of RNA to silence the targeted gene.

This is the first GMO to be marketed at consumers, for convenience, instead of at farmers. Always be sure to hire California property division lawyers who have dedication and professionalism in their work. Therefore, these apples will still be produced with the same slew of synthetic chemicals that a conventional version of the apple is produced with, leaving you with an apple that is covered in synthetic toxins, that doesn’t exhibit signs of bruising, and that continues to damage the environment and your health. What’s your choice? Choose organic, sustainably-produced fruit and vegetables that are produced in a way that benefits the environment, your health, and the future. When neem-based products are used to produce your food, all three of those and more are accomplished!