GMO salmon may soon be coming to grocery stores near you
The US Food And Drug Administration on Thursday gave approval for the first time to allow a genetically engineered animal to be consumed.
The to Massachusetts-based AquaBounty Technologies to produce genetically modified Atlantic salmon for consumption, stating that the fish was safe to eat. The FDA said changes to the salmon would allow it to grow faster than other farm-raised fish.
The company used a growth hormone from the Pacific Chinook and enables the modified salmon to produce growth hormones throughout the year.
Since 2010, the Obama administration has been reluctant to approve the fish, dubbed AquaAdvantage Salmon, for human consumption because of uncertainties over its safety.
"The FDA has thoroughly analyzed and evaluated the data and information submitted by AquaBounty Technologies regarding AquaAdvantage Salmon and determined that they have met the regulatory requirements for approval, including that food from the fish is safe to eat,鈥� said Bernadette Dunham, director of the FDA鈥檚 Center for Veterinary Medicine, in a statement.
But the FDA did include restrictions, including stipulations that the salmon would be raised outside of US boundaries in Canada and Panama.
AquaBounty CEO Ron Stotish said in a statement that the salmon would not damage the ocean or marine habitats. The FDA said safety measure would prevent the salmon from entering the non-modified population, while AquaBounty said the chances of escape are slight.
The FDA decision opens up the door to the approval of other genetically altered animals, a prospect many say crosses ethical lines and also raises health concerns about the consumption of fish or other animals whose DNA have been manipulated.
鈥淲e recognize that some consumers are interested in knowing whether food ingredients are derived from GE sources,鈥� said Susan Mayne, Ph.D., director of the FDA鈥檚 Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. 鈥淭he FDA is issuing two guidance documents that explain how food companies that want to voluntarily label their products can provide this information to consumers.鈥�
The FDA also for concerned consumers and businesses who want to avoid eating and serving the engineered Atlantic salmon, but is not requiring mandatory disclosures.
鈥淔DA supports voluntary labeling and is providing this guidance to assist manufacturers that wish to voluntarily label their foods as being made with Atlantic salmon or ingredients derived from Atlantic salmon that has or has not been genetically engineered,鈥� the FDA noted on its website.聽
This report contains material from Reuters and the Associated Press.
