WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has deregulated "Arctic" brand apples genetically modified to resist the browning process, a decision that may not be popular with apple growers and consumer groups.

The Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service took the action based on a final plant pest risk assessment that found GMO apples are not likely to pose a pest risk and on the results of an environmental assessment that found deregulation is not likely to have a significant effect on the environment, but don’t expect a ringing endorsement from apple growers.

The U.S. Apple Association, which has opposed deregulating GMO apples, said Friday it supports the choice of consumers, who will make the ultimate decision of whether to buy these apples.

“Consumers will be able to decide whether to try the new, ‘non-browning’ apples, and ultimately, the marketplace will determine whether there is a demand for them," the group said. "Because it will be several years before Arctic apples become available, consumers will have time to decide whether they want to purchase them.”

In the meantime, all other apples that are non-GMO will be on the market and the company that developed the non-browning varities said it will be “clearly marketed and sold under the 'Actic' label, allowing consumers to make informed purchase decisions.”

Consumer groups, like Food & Water Watch, used stronger language in opposing USDA’s decision.

“In its environmental assessment, the USDA glossed over the possibility of unintentional effects associated with the technology used to engineer these apples, potential economic impacts on the U.S. and international apple market, effects of potential contamination for non-GMO and organic apple growers and the impact of the non-browning gene silencing, which also can weaken plant defenses and plant health,” said Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter.

“The domestic apple industry is opposed to the commercialization of GMO apples and some food companies have already said they would not sell Arctic apples,” she said. Apple grower associations said GMO apples could have a negative effect on the apple industry, and Gerber and McDonald’s announced they would not use GMO apples in their products.

Consumer groups also expressed concern the particular gene targeted by this technology that allows apples to be sliced without turning brown could mislead consumers into thinking they’re eating fresh apples at all times.

USDA said the Arctic apples will turn brown over time, but they are genetically engineered to produce less of the substance that causes browning and will retain its original color longer when the apples are sliced or bruised.

After nearly two decades, Okanagan Specialty Fruits hailed the decision to deregulate the first two Arctic varieties: Arctic Golden and Arctic Granny apples. OSF is now free to market their trait to apple growers.

“Since it takes apple trees a number of years to produce significant amounts of fruit, it will likely be 2016 before any Arctic Granny or Arctic Golden apples are available for small, test-markets,” OSF said. “Following that, we expect increasing amounts of fruit each year, including additional non-browning varieties like Arctic Gala and Arctic Fuji.”

“The supply chain can feel confident knowing that Arctic apples are likely the most-tested apples in existence,” OSF said. “Rigorously reviewed by multiple regulatory bodies, all evaluations reach the same conclusion — Arctic apples present no unique risks and are just as safe and healthful as any other apple.” Arctic apples were field tested in Washington state and New York state.