Courtesy CBAN
A small BC company called Okanagan Specialty Fruits has just submitted a request to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for approval of a genetically modified (GM, also called genetically engineered) “non-browning” apple. Contamination from GM apples threatens the future of our apples, and the farmers who grow them.
1. Send your comments to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency before July 3, 2012 at http://active.inspection.gc.ca/eng/plaveg/bio/subs/biocome.asp
Tell the government that you don’t want to eat a GM apple!
- Consumers don’t want GM apples.
- The GM “non-browning” apple will mislead consumers by presenting an apple that looks freshly cut or unbruised when it is not.
- BC apple growers have already rejected the GM apple.
- Contamination from GM apple trees is a risk to Canadian apple producers.
- The CFIA and Health Canada should not be wasting public funds reviewing a GM apple that no one wants.
- The government should consult with farmers and consumers before approving any new GM crop.
You can see the notice of the submission for approval of the GM apple at: http://inspection.gc.ca/plants/plants-with-novel-traits/notices-of-submission/okanagan-specialty-fruits-inc-/eng/1335141426301/1335142810470
This is just the first of many actions needed to stop the GM apple.
2. For more information and to get more involved see http://www.cban.ca/apple
Background
The genetically modified (GM) “non-browning” apple is engineered to keep from going brown after being cut. This apple is designed for fast food companies and other companies that use pre-cut apples. The technology was developed in Australia and was licensed by small BC company Okanagan Specialty Fruits.
Okanagan Specialty Fruits asked for approval in the US in March 2010 and has just asked for approval in Canada. The GM apple has not yet been approved anywhere in the world.
BC apple growers stopped the GM apple from being field tested in Canada in 2001. The federal agricultural research station in Summerland in the Okanagan valley, an important fruit growing area, was preparing to start field trials but BC growers who were concerned about contamination stopped them from happening.
Many apple grower associations in Canada and the US oppose the GM apple, including the BC Fruit Tree Association.
This action alert was re-issued on May 31 2012 by Bee SAFE, the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, GE Free BC, Okanagan Greens Society, True Food Foundation and Vigilance OGM.
