Arctic Fuji apple receives FDA approval
Okanagan Specialty Fruits’ (OSF) newest nonbrowning Arctic apple variety, Arctic Fuji, has completed the voluntary review process—the final step required in the regulatory process—with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Okanagan Specialty Fruits’ (OSF) newest nonbrowning Arctic apple variety, Arctic Fuji, has completed the voluntary review process—the final step required in the regulatory process—with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Arctic Fuji is the third apple variety OSF has been approved to grow, along with Arctic Golden and Arctic Granny apples that previously received regulatory approval in 2015.
Through biotechnology, the enzyme in Arctic apples responsible for browning has been turned off. Arctic apples were commercially available for the first time in the fall of 2017 in select U.S. cities, and availability has increased as more trees are planted and fruit volumes increase.
“Completion of this FDA review is important news for our company as it marks the last step needed for Arctic Fuji to officially join our commercial orchards,” said Neal Carter, president of OSF.
The announcement follows Arctic Fuji approvals by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) granted Sept. 23, 2016, and Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada on Jan. 30, 2018. The FDA is expected to post a letter announcing the completion of its evaluation on its website in the coming weeks.