FDA Approves Fourth Non-Browning Arctic Apple Variety, Arctic Gala
核心洞察
The FDA has approved Arctic Gala (搜索), the fourth non-browning apple from Okanagan Specialty Fruits (搜索), joining Arctic Golden (搜索), Granny, and Fuji.
These genetically engineered apples resist browning by silencing the polyphenol oxidase (搜索) enzyme, extending their fresh appearance and shelf life.
Arctic Gala (搜索) has already been approved by the USDA and Canadian Food Inspection Agency, with plans to seek approval for Honey and Pink varieties.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted regulatory approval to Arctic Gala (搜索), a new variety of non-browning apple developed by Okanagan Specialty Fruits (搜索) (OSF) in Summerland. This marks the fourth apple in the Arctic family to receive FDA approval, following Arctic Golden (搜索), Arctic Granny (搜索), and Arctic Fuji (搜索).
Arctic apples are genetically engineered to resist browning, a trait achieved by suppressing the enzyme polyphenol oxidase (搜索) (PPO). This enzyme is responsible for the oxidation process that causes browning when apples are cut or bruised. By "turning off" the gene responsible for PPO production, Arctic apples maintain their fresh appearance and taste for an extended period.
Regulatory Approval and Company Statements
Muhammad Tahir, Director of Research and Regulatory Affairs at OSF, stated, "The FDA approval of Arctic Gala (搜索), along with the earlier approvals from other regulatory agencies, is a testament to the safety and quality of OSF’s innovative apple varieties. These approvals highlight the rigorous testing and evaluation processes that OSF adheres to, ensuring that customers can enjoy Arctic apples with confidence."
Arctic Gala (搜索) had previously secured approval from both the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. OSF intends to pursue regulatory approval for its Arctic Honey (搜索) and Arctic Pink (搜索) apple varieties next.
Benefits of Non-Browning Apples
The non-browning characteristic of Arctic apples offers several advantages. Sliced Arctic apples can maintain a fresh appearance for up to 28 days, making them ideal for various applications. According to OSF, these apples "are capable of looking and tasting as fresh-picked fruit, not just for hours, but for days."
Don Westcott, President of OSF, noted, "The variety is ideal for a wide range of applications, including salads, charcuterie boards, and lunch boxes. Its extended shelf life also makes it an excellent choice for food service providers, retailers, and customers alike."
Development and Acquisition
The Arctic apple was initially developed by Neal and Louisa Carter of Summerland. Recognizing the market potential of non-browning apples, Intrexon, a U.S. company, acquired Okanagan Specialty Fruits (搜索) for $31 million in stock and $10 million in cash after the initial regulatory approvals in 2015.