Okanagan Specialty Fruits® (OSF), the developer and grower behind the Arctic® apple varieties, received the green light from Canadian regulatory agencies to proceed toward commercialization of the company's latest apple variety, Arctic Gala.
Health Canada (HC) notified OSF that it has no objection to the food use of the Arctic apple event in the Gala apple variety, noting that the event was no different than the three varieties previously approved by the agency and now commercially grown by the company–Arctic Granny, Arctic Golden, and Arctic Fuji. In addition, OSF received authorization from the Plant Biotechnology Office of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to release the Arctic Gala. The agency noted that the Arctic Gala does not display any novel traits and is substantially equivalent in use and safety to other commercially available apples.
The Arctic Gala was developed by turning off the enzyme responsible for enzymatic browning, polyphenol oxidase (PPO).
"We applaud our Canadian agencies for their efficient review of the Arctic Gala. This is an important step in our efforts to add a fourth apple variety to the Arctic family of apples and continues our sustainability efforts to reduce unnecessary apple waste," said Neal Carter, cofounder and CEO of OSF. "Our ongoing commitment to innovation and expanding the Arctic apple line-up reflects OSF's dedication to meeting the evolving needs and preferences of consumers, culinary professionals, and foodservice partners. With its vibrant red skin and crisp, juicy flesh, Arctic Gala will surely be a hit among apple enthusiasts."
The Arctic Gala was developed by turning off the enzyme responsible for enzymatic browning, polyphenol oxidase (PPO). By turning off the apple's own PPO, the apple resists browning caused by bruising and slicing. This reduces the number of apples damaged throughout the supply chain and extends the shelf life for the fresh sliced products to 28 days, benefitting retailers, consumers, and the foodservice industry.
Right: Neal Carter
The Arctic Gala was approved by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2021 and is currently under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The first varieties, Arctic Golden and Arctic Granny received regulatory approval from the USDA, FDA, CFIA, and HC in 2015, and Arctic Fuji gained approval in January 2018.
Arctic apples became commercially available in 2019. OSF looks forward to future releases of Arctic Honey and Arctic Pink.
For more information:
Rebecca Catlett
Okanagan Specialty Fruits
rcatlett@osfruits.com
https://osfruits.com/