Genetically engineered salmon has been declared fit for consumption and will be the first ever genetically altered animal approved for American stores and tables.
AquaBounty Farms, based in Newfoundland, Canada, has been lobbying for approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since the 1990s.
These genetically modified salmon are also known as transgenic salmon. Growth hormone genes—labeled as drugs by the FDA—are injected to the fertilized eggs of Atlantic salmon. They consist of a growth hormone-regulating gene taken from a Pacific Chinook, as well as a promoter from an Ocean Pout, which keeps the growth hormone gene turned on. The growth period has been reduced from three years to somewhere between 16 to 18 months, as the transgenic salmon grows year-round, rather than only in the spring in summer.
Both consumer and environmental groups have protested that the safety studies done were inadequate. In addition, concerns have been raised about the environmental threat these fish would impose if released into rivers or oceans. It has been suggested by Purdue University and the National Academy of Sciences that the genetically modified salmon would outcompete wild salmon, possibly even to extinction.
According to Salmon Nation, “There is little doubt that transgenic fish will, if raised escape to the surrounding waters. Estimates of farmed salmon escapees in British Columbia total at least 400,000 fish from 1991 to 2001.”
Those looking to eliminate genetically modified foods from their diet will have a difficult time avoiding genetically engineered salmon. The FDA declared that the fish will not be required to be labeled as genetically engineered.
But on the same day that the FDA declared this transgenic salmon edible, they also rejected two petitions asking for the required labeling of GMOs. The FDA did so on the grounds that labeling of “materials” does not include genetic engineering and said that there “were no material differences between the genetically engineered salmon and a conventional counterpart.”
There are very few companies that want to label their foods as genetically engineered as the label is predicted to have a negative impact on sales. On the other side, companies that produce non-GMO products label their goods as so in the hopes of increasing sales.
Instead of the genetically modified fish being labeled as so, it will probably be marketed as Atlantic salmon, CEO of Aqua Bounty, Ron Stotish, remarked.
In response to this, more than 60 American supermarket chains are refusing to sell transgenic fish. After more than 18,000 letters asking Costco to refrain from selling the fish, the second-largest retailer in the world has officially joined the ranks with Whole Foods, Safeway, and Trader Joe’s, among others.
Other genetically modified products may be appearing in the world market soon, including goat milk that helps digestions and reduces diarrhea.
Despite the fears and questions surrounding transgenic salmon, it undoubtedly serves a purpose in serving the world’s growing population.
Fish is harvested from fisheries at an astonishing pace as is the ocean’s stock is being depleted without a chance for recovery.
In addition, the GMO salmon will be cheaper, allowing access to families previously unable to afford the fish.