GMO 'frankenfish' salmon gets FDA approval. Now what?
After years of contentious debate, 'frankenfish' may finally be on its way to a supermarket near you.
The US Food And Drug Administration in November began allowing a genetically engineered (GE) animal to be produced for consumption 鈥� a first for America.
The Massachusetts company was given approval to make available a聽genetically modified Atlantic salmon, the AquaAdvantage Salmon.
The company added a growth-hormone-regulating gene from the Pacific Chinook salmon聽and a gene from an eel called the ocean pout to allow the new salmon to produce growth hormones year-round instead of only in the spring and summer.
The Obama Administration had been reluctant to approve the fish since 2010, citing safety concerns. But now the FDA decision is a precedent that may mean more genetically altered animals are on their way.
Bernadette Dunham, director of the FDA鈥檚 Center for Veterinary Medicine, said the modified salmon met federal guidelines.
"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� she said.
Despite its approval, many still contend that raising聽animals with manipulated DNA poses health concerns and could be a danger to natural habitats. Others say it crosses ethical boundaries.听The FDA approval requires that the fish be raised outside the US.
Others wish the聽FDA would require mandatory labeling of the fish, instead of issuing volunteer recommendations for consumers and businesses looking to avoid the man-made creation.
鈥淲e recognize that some consumers are interested in knowing whether food ingredients are derived from GE sources,鈥� said Susan Mayne, 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�
鈥淒espite FDA鈥檚 flawed and irresponsible approval of the first genetically engineered animal for human consumption, it鈥檚 clear that there is no place in the U.S. market for genetically engineered salmon,鈥� said Lisa Archer, Food and Technology program director at , in a statement. 鈥淧eople don鈥檛 want to eat it and grocery stores are refusing to sell it.鈥澛燨ne poll found that .听
It could be more than two years before the modified salmon moves into supermarkets, according to AquaBounty, while at least one organization, the , said it will take legal action to fight the FDA decision.
鈥淭he fallout from this decision will have enormous impact on the environment,鈥� said Andrew Kimbrell, executive director for the group. 鈥淐enter for Food Safety has no choice but to file suit to stop the introduction of this dangerous contaminant. FDA has neglected its responsibility to protect the public.鈥�
