New Genetically Modified Apple Never Browns

Would You Eat a Genetically Modified Apple?

December 2, 2010

This week, the USDA and the FDA were asked to approve a genetically modified apple from Canada that keeps its color when sliced or bitten into. The event prompted me to wonder how many of you would eat a genetically modified piece of fruit. I generally steer clear of anything GMO — but I'd try this just for kicks to see if it really does prevent my apples from browning. What about you? Would you eat a genetically modified apple?

Source: Thinkstock

6 Comments

wunami 2 years 24 weeks

What really bugs me is when I talk to protesters holding signs that say "Frankenfood" and they clearly have no idea how science works or even the real potential problems with GMO food. Sometimes they have no idea about anything at all. If you're going to stand around holding a sign all day, at least do the tiniest bit of research. I think some of them just get convinced because they are idiots and they see the word "Frankenfood" and it sounds kind scary. @LeiraElle: Actually, they do a lot of testing on GMO food. Certainly more testing than on crops developed the slow way by selective planting/growing (and it's not like that's guaranteed to be safer or anything). I'm not super happy about Monsanto owning the food supply, but at least they aren't so horrible that they are just splicing random made up DNA into food and releasing it.

wackdoodle 2 years 24 weeks

Yes, I would eat the new apple because if you eat Honeycrisps or any other of the new varieties of apples you are eating GMO fruits. Please these aren't going to harm you any more than the crap you already eat.

RoaringSilence 2 years 24 weeks

I was going to say the same thing, LeiraElle.. I'm pretty sure we're already eating a lot of modified stuff, possibly without knowing. Also.. holy crap. I'm glad to hear that all diseases have been cured, so clearly scientist can now focus on other things.

LeiraElle 2 years 24 weeks

Almost all of our food has been genetically modified through domestication, which imposes a selective pressure on certain traits, resulting in a different genetic makeup than their wild counterparts. However, the amount to which this can be done is limited by naturally occurring mutations and variation, not a synthetic DNA code being inserted into its genome. Genes interact with one another, so the fact that this apple may never brown... what other things could that trait also impact? That hasn't been tested. Creepy.

snarkypants 2 years 24 weeks

well said tica. took the words out of my mouth :)

ticamorena 2 years 24 weeks

i wouldn't purposefully buy GMO food products, and if i have the option, i get organic. however, i'm a realist - there are so many food products, whether from the supermarket, a restaurant or even a food gift or event, that contain GMO ingredients. my diet (and social life) would be severely limited if i refused alltogether to eat GMO foods (not to mention i would not have the nerve to refuse a meal as a guest on accoun of the fact that the apple pie - or other dish - had GMO ingredients)

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