GMO Apples

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Sign the petition: Tell Burger King to commit to keeping GMO apples out of its meals.
http://action.foe.org/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=14649

The GMO apple -- known as the “Arctic Apple®” -- was genetically engineered to not turn brown when cut. Of course, browning in apples can be prevented naturally by applying lemon juice or another source of vitamin C -- making this GMO apple completely unnecessary.

What’s more, these apples may look fresh when they are actually decaying and they may be more vulnerable to pests. That means if farmers grow these new apples, they may have to increase their pesticide use. And conventional apples already have some of the highest levels of toxic pesticide residues of any fruit.

So why is the Arctic Apple® being produced? So Intrexon, the synthetic biology company that owns the GMO salmon, the GMO mosquito and the GMO apple, can make more profits!

This GMO apple was genetically engineered using a new, virtually untested experimental technique called RNA interference. Many scientists are concerned that this process may have negative unintended impacts on human health and the environment. The evidence is clear: This apple has no place in our food system!

Tell Burger King that its customers don’t want GMO apples!

Late last month, President Obama signed the DARK Act -- a discriminatory bill that prevents real GMO labeling -- into law. That means that if these apples make it to the market, we may have no way of knowing if we’re eating them!

So who stands to benefit from the GMO apple? Definitely not apple growers, who have been opposing this apple all along. And not the rest of us, our food system or our planet. The only benefits will go to Intrexon.

The good news is, Burger King’s competitors have already taken action. McDonald’s, Wendy’s and baby food giant Gerber have all listened to your concerns and confirmed that they have no plans to sell GMO apples. Their commitments will help send a message that there is no demand for this risky product.

You can convince Burger King to join its competitors and say NO to GMO apples!

It’s not too late to keep GMO apples off our plates: Tell Burger King to say no to this rotten idea.

Standing with you,
Dana Perls,
Food and technology campaigner,
Friends of the Earth