FDA: Genetically modified apples and potatoes are safe

The so-called Arctic apples, developed by Okanagan Specialty Fruits, resist turning brown when sliced or bruised, which could cut wastage of fruit and make sliced apples more appealing.

The Innate potatoes, developed by the J. R. Simplot Company, resist bruising and also have been altered so that less of a potential cancer-causing chemical is produced when the potatoes are fried.

The F.D.A. rarely, if ever, issues news releases when it concludes a review of a genetically modified crop. It appears it did so this time because of the public attention paid to these two particular crops.