Turns out that the United States Food and Drug Administration has given its stamp of approval on a number of new varieties of genetically modified (GMO) apples and potatoes. The agency evaluated two varieties of GMO apples from Okanagan Specialty Fruits, Inc. in Canada and six varieties of genetically modified potatoes from J.R. Simplot Co. in Idaho and concluded that the engineered produce is as safe and nutritious as the natural versions.

While this may seem like no big deal, it does open a door to all kinds of craziness. Altering the natural evolution of fruit and vegetables sounds pretty good when you are talking about lessening the chances of disease and not too bad even when you are just looking at the appearance – you know how they shine those apples up in the grocery store. And the FDA is quick to point out that it is looking at the reasons behind the genetic altering.

“The consultation process includes a review of information provided by a company about the nature of the molecular changes and the nutritional composition of the food compared to traditionally bred varieties,” Dennis Keefe, director of the FDA’s Office of Food Additive Safety, said Friday in an agency news release.

“This case-by-case safety evaluation ensures that food safety issues are resolved prior to commercial distribution,” he added.

The Granny Smith and Golden Delicious varieties of apples — collectively known by the trade name “Arctic Apples” — were engineered to have lower levels of enzymes that cause browning from cuts and bruises, the FDA said.

The Ranger Russet, Russet Burbank and Atlantic potatoes — collectively known by the trade name “Innate Potatoes” — were engineered to have lower levels of enzymes that cause black spot bruises.

The potatoes were also engineered to produce less acrylamide, a chemical that can form in some foods during high-temperature cooking such as frying. Acrylamide has been shown to cause cancer in rodents, according to the news release. The drop in acrylamide production was achieved by lowering levels of an amino acid called asparagine and by lowering levels of reducing-sugars.

The FDA review is based on safety and nutritional assessments provided by the companies as part of a voluntary consultation process. Genetically modified produce must meet the same safety standards as traditional produce, the FDA said.

That all sounds pretty good, but when you factor in the primary motive behind the existence of any corporation – making lots and lots of money – things could easily get out of hand. How about ears of corn that have ads embedded in the kernels? Tomatoes that resemble the shape of sexy women – what Hollywood has always meant by a tomato. What about potatoes with faces? You don’t think this is likely to happen? Our society is honed to make a buck off of anything in which a buck can be made. If that means bright pink bananas with a deep purple fruit or a rutabaga that can dance, then so be it. On the plus side maybe it will encourage more people to eat fruit and vegetables. On the negative side, the rosy red apple may soon be history.

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