Canada's Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF) has slated expectations that its genetically modified apples that resist browning will be deregulated for U.S. production in early 2014.

The announcement comes after the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published a notice on the Federal Register today, making a plant pest risk assessment (PPRA) and environmental assessment (EA) available for comment.

An OSF release said a deregulated status of the product, with genetic events designated as GD743 and GS784, would mean its Arctic apples could be treated just like any other apple tree.

The release said this follows on from 10 years of real-world field experience that has shown the fruits are just like other apples until they are bruised, bitten or cut.

APHIS will be considering all comments received on or before Dec. 9.

"We’re now closer than ever to bringing consumers and producers safe, value-added Arctic apples, providing greater convenience and reducing food waste," OSF founder Neal Carter said in the release.

"This is especially rewarding for our small company because of the long, challenging road toward deregulation. We have had Arctic apples planted in field trials for over a decade now.

"The regulatory process is extremely rigorous so consumers can feel secure knowing that Arctic apples are among the most tested fruits in existence."

OSF is currently looking for partners to collaborate on the commercial development of Arctic apples.

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