The US Department of Agriculture has approved the commercialization of the first genetically modified apples despite efforts by GMO critics and the organic food industry to block the fruit.

Okanagan plans to market the apples as Arctic Granny and Arctic Golden. Both varieties have been modified so that they still look fresh even after being sliced or bruised.

Neal Carter, president of Okanagan, said that the USDA approval was a monumental occasion.

It is the biggest milestone yet for us and we cant wait until theyre available for consumers, Carter said.

But the news of the approval of the apples hasnt been met with complete acceptance. The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) petitioned the USDA to deny approval, saying that the genetic changes could be harmful to humans and that pesticide levels on the apples could be excessive.

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US approves Canadian GMO apples for commercial debut