GMOs in apples affecting Windsorites

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved the country’s first genetically modified apples and windsorites are feeling worried.

The genetically modified organism will stop the apples from turning brown shortly after being cut. The apples were developed by the Canadian company Okanagan Specialty Fruits. The company named the apples Arctic Granny and Arctic Golden.

Many Windsorites who go to the United States for groceries say this could affect the way they make their purchases from now on.

“I go to the States a lot to grocery shop. This will make a difference in the way I shop there now. I think I might just stick to buying my apples here in Windsor,” said Dan Fuji.

Fuji said he is worried about a price change now that there will be organic apples and GMO apples on the market.

“I know for the people that do go there to buy their apples there will be a price change. Organic apple will cost more than the GMO apples and that will be annoying.”

Myles Trombley, who works at the Real Canadian Super Store, doesn’t like the idea of this new GMO in apples, but believes it will help stores with their business.

“They won’t have to purchase as many apples and throw out the rotten ones because this will help them last longer and fresher and can be displayed without looking gross after a few minutes,” said Trombly, 20.

According to Lisa Valente, who runs the GMO Free Windsor Essex community, there has been very little testing on human consumption and side effects.

“We are human guinea pigs and won’t know the effect years and years down the road. When possibly then it’s too late,” said Valente.

One study has linked GMOs to gluten disorders, In the study recently released by the Institute for Responsible Technology. GMOs also effect breast cancer cell growth and birth defects, according to the study published in the U.S National Library of Medicine.

“When you play with genetics and you poison on our food, nothing good can come from it,” said Valente.