In A Twist, Apple Growers Sound Their Own GMO Alarm

Genetically engineered food is uncharted terrain not only in terms of environmental fallout, but also when it comes to potential consumer litigation. In a twist on the usual alignment of interest groups, some apple grower trade groups have joined forces with industry critics and are sounding the alarm over a new strain of apple, engineered so that it won’t turn brown when it’s sliced open. Insurance attorneys from Drinker Biddle & Reath point out how the issues these critics raise could presage insurance claims, and some knotty coverage disputes. In addition to familiar claims stemming from alleged contamination of adjoining or nearby crops, there could be an issue raised by consumers alleging they were mislead by the appearance of this product.