GMO Salmon Gets FDA Nod

The group’s AquAdvantage Salmon is an Atlantic salmon enhanced to reach market size in less time than a conventionally farmed fish. This is the first-ever genetically engineered animal approved for human consumption despite widespread public outcry, risks to wild salmon and a faulty assessment based on incomplete company data. At least 35 other species of genetically engineered fish, along with chickens, pigs and cows, are now under development, and the FDA’s decision on this genetically engineered salmon application sets a precedent for other genetically engineered fish and animals.

The approval is the first GE animal for consumption in the United States.

Critics are not pleased that the “frankenfish” has been approved, though.

Meanwhile, sources from the USA firm insist that its genetically modified fish pose no threat to the environment and will be kept in special disease- and antibiotic-free conditions. Archer said. “People don’t want to eat it and grocery stores are refusing to sell it”.

Wenonah Hauter of EcoWatch added that there was “insufficient safety testing” done.

The FDA said in a statement issued Thursday that AquaBounty’s fish had to meet several requirements to gain approval.

The company has said that once the fish goes on sale, it is likely to be labeled just “Atlantic salmon”, with no indication that it was genetically engineered.

“However, this must occur in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner”.

A few scientists are also supportive of the project.

The salmon is not likely to show up in stores for another two years, but when it does, the FDA action today also means consumers will have no way of knowing whether the fish they’re buying was genetically engineered. “The scientific review is clear, there is no credible evidence that these fish are a risk to either human health or the environment”.