Following breakthroughs the Arctic Golden and Granny, Canada-based Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF) is one step closer to having another genetically modified apple cultivated in the U.S. 

Yesterday, the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) publicly shared OSF's final version of a petition seeking regulatory approval for non-browning Arctic Fuji apples.

APHIS said it had reached a preliminary decision to extend its determination of non-regulated status to the variety.

In addition to publishing OSF’s petition, APHIS has also shared their Preliminary Finding of No Significant Impact, and Preliminary Extended Determination and Plant Pest Risk Assessment.

APHIs will now initiate a public comment period in the coming days, during which time the public is encouraged to submit their input on the apples under review.

“We are pleased to see the Arctic® Fuji reach the next stage of deregulation.” said OSF founder Neal Carter.

"Interest in our first two distinctly nonbrowning varieties, Arctic® Golden and Arctic® Granny, following their approval in 2015 has shown us that the benefits of the Arctic Advantage™ are of great interest to the industry and consumers alike.

"We are confident we will see a similar response to Arctic® Fuji, and many more nonbrowning varieties still to come."

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