When it comes to foodie fads, like “juicing” and “souping,” Canada is usually slower to adapt and adopt than the United States.

Not so in the case of the world’s first genetically modified, non-browning apple.

Little more than a month after U.S. federal authorities approved two varieties of the Arctic apple, Canada has done the same — making two versions of this fruit legal to be grown, sold and, of course, eaten north of the border.

“We are thrilled to have successfully completed the Canadian regulatory review processes, and look forward to Canadian consumers and producers alike enjoying the benefits of our non-browning Arctic apples,” said Neal Carter, founder of Okanagan Specialty Fruits, the company behind the apples.

However, backlash against the Canadian approval was swift with environmental groups calling on fast food companies to reject the non browning apple.

Carter said in mid-February after getting U.S. approval: “Consumers can feel confident knowing that Arctic apples are likely the most tested apples in existence…Arctic apples present no unique risks and are just as safe and healthful as any other apple,”

At the time, Carter said he expected Canadian authorities to follow suit and approve the fruit that doesn’t turn brown when it’s exposed to air or bashed around and bruised — but didn’t know when.

On Friday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada announced the decision to allow the non-browning fruit to be grown and sold within its borders, concluding the fruit is “as safe and nutritious as traditional apple varieties.”

The official decision document, authorities say, will be posted on its website.

The non-browning fruit has a controversial past, with anti-GMO lobbyists and activists saying “consumers and farmers don’t want it on the market.”

That hasn’t stopped big business from taking it on. In late February, Intrexon Corporation, which bills itself as a creator of “biologically-based products,” acquired Okanagan Specialty Fruits.

Though the non-browning apples have been approved for consumption, it will still be a while before they grace grocery shelves.

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The trees could take years to produce fruit — especially enough to sell commercially. Getting your hands on an Arctic Granny or Arctic Golden Delicious won’t be immediate, Carter said last month. Test markets may get it in 2016.

“We are very proud to have reached this milestone, and are extremely excited to be one step closer to offering non-browning Arctic apples to eager consumers,” he said at the time.

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