AquaBounty genetically-modified salmon approved by FDA

“After rigorous scrutiny, FDA has determined that food from AquAdvantage salmon is as safe and effective to eat as food from non-GE (genetically engineered) salmon”, said Bernadette Dunham, PhD, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, in a news conference on Thursday.

Salmon fishermen and environmental activists have raised concerns about the havoc that could occur if any of AquaBounty’s engineered salmon made it into ocean waters and mated with wild Atlantic salmon – a scenario they say could have unpredictable effects and lead to the decimation of wild populations.

Salmon genetically modified to grow faster get FDA approval despite opposition from food safety and environmental groups.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday ended 20 years of tortuous negotiations by approving the GM Atlantic salmon, which grows twice as fast as ordinary salmon and can be grown in fish tanks in warehouses on land.

The agency added that “multiple and redundant levels of physical barriers” will be in place to prevent the fish from escaping.

In the face of the FDA approval, they have changed tactics and have secured commitments from a few of America’s largest food outlets – including Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and Target – to refuse to sell the modified fish.

The Panamian and Canadian governments will work with the FDA to supervise the facilities and perform regular inspections.

The FDA decision quickly drew the ire of consumer safety groups, who mainly worry about the fish escaping into the environment, labelling and the general safety of genetically modified foods – particularly in terms of possible epigenetic mutations.

The company received approval from Environment Canada for the production of Atlantic salmon fish eggs, but has not received approval to market the fish for human consumption in Canada. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the FDA can only require additional labeling of foods derived from GE sources if there is a material difference – such as a different nutritional profile – between the GE product and its non-GE counterpart.

There is no evidence that the foods would be unsafe, but for a few people, it’s an ethical issue. A spokesman for the agency said it is aware of Thursday’s decision by the FDA.

Genetically modified salmon has been approved for human consumption in the USA and could hit shelves in around two years.

But even he admits the company selling the GM fish should make it clear to consumers, something that is not required by the FDA.

“Because there is no difference, they wouldn’t have a mandatory GE (genetically engineered) label but there is actually a requirement to label where a fish was produced in the United States and so they will probably be the Atlantic salmon that says ‘Product of Panama” (laughs).