Mar 20, 2015
Arctic apples approved in Canada

Non-browning Arctic apples have been approved for commercial sale in Canada, as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada (HC) have concluded their respective reviews. In a letter sent to the apples’ creator by CFIA, the agency concludes that Arctic apples “are as safe and nutritious as traditional apple varieties…”and states that their official decision document will become publicly available on their website at a later date, according to Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF), which developed Arctic apples.

HC concluded that an Arctic apple “is safe for consumption, still has all its nutritional value and therefore does not differ from other apples available on the market.”These conclusions mark the culmination of over three years of review since OSF first initiated the government deregulation process with the Canadian regulators.

Canadian approval of Arctic apples follows U.S. deregulation, which was granted by USDA on Feb. 13.

OSF’s Arctic apples do not brown when bitten, sliced or bruised, which helps reduce food waste and improves their fresh-cut suitability. One of the fastest-growing categories of the fruit and vegetable industry is the fresh-cut segment, bolstered by the convenience factor and upward trend in consumption of healthier foods. It is estimated that Arctic apples will first be sold in small, test-market quantities in late 2016, with increasing amounts of fruit becoming available each successive year, according to OSF.


Tags: ,


Current Issue

On-farm AI: Water, farm, labor research guide decisions

Data collection tool expands farm management

Carmel Valley winegrapes: Parsonage Village Vineyard

IFTA Yakima Valley tour provides orchard insights

IFTA recognizes tree fruit honorees

Pennsylvania recognizes fruit industry professionals

Fresh Views 40 Under 40

see all current issue »

Be sure to check out our other specialty agriculture brands

produceprocessingsm Organic Grower