[3] They were developed through a process of genetic engineering by Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc.[4][5] Specifically, gene silencing reduces the expression of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), thus delaying the onset of browning.
[3] Okanagan Specialty Fruits received regulatory approval for two apple varieties in Canada from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada[11] and in the US from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), part of the United States Department of Agriculture.
[15] Approval of the apple was opposed by GE Free BC and the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network.
"[8] As of late 2017, the Arctic Golden variety began retail sales as packaged, preservative-free apple slices.
[19] Packaging bears Arctic branding including their "snowflake" logo[20] and a QR code that can be scanned with a smartphone to inform consumers about the safety and non-browning benefits via the company website.