Arctic apple on Dr. Oz
The opening segment led with a quick synopsis of the non-browning apple and focused on the question of whether or not consumers would be willing to buy genetically modified food.
They briefly touched on the science behind the apple, illustrating that researchers found a way to turn off the enzyme responsible for browning, without bothering anything that affects freshness, taste or rotting effects.
Carter attempted to explain the company had been testing the technology for 10 years, with the last five under heavy scrutiny by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The apple was approved for sale last month in America and could soon be approved in Canada, too.
The talk show then brought in Dr. Michael Hansen to offer a counterpoint.
Hansen is a senior staff scientist with Consumers Union who frequently talks to media on critical food safety and environmental health issues including mad cow disease, genetic engineering and pesticide use.
Hansen pointed out “potential problems” this type of science could lead to, including the potential for other enzymes to be altered without the public’s knowledge.
In the end, Dr. Oz did not say he was for or against this particular product, only noting that he would like to see all GMO food labelled in grocery stores.
Source: castanet.net
