Genetically Modified Salmon Might End-up Being Sold in the United States

Added by on September 21, 2010

An advisory panel of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it will make a recommendation on Monday with regard to the first genetically modified animal made by Aqua Bounty Technologies Inc. The company has genetically modified salmons to grow faster and said that the genetically modified fish isn’t a threat for the environment or human consumption.

Environmentalists and consumer advocates have already protested against Aqua Bounty’s modified salmon. Some groups like the Center for Food Safety, the Consumers Union and the Food & Water Watch said that until today there’s not sufficient evidence and data to assess whether consumption of this salmon will have side effects, such as allergic reactions, or if the modified fish would hurt the usual Atlantic salmon if it were to escape into the waters. The groups and many others have held protests last week near the White House and requested President Obama to block the possible approval by the FDA.

The FDA advisory panel that will address the public on today is comprised of medical experts and will only make a recommendation before making its final decision. If approved, this would be the first genetically modified animal that would be sold for consumption in the US, although genetically altered animals have previously been adopted as pets or used to produce biologic medicine and genetically modified vegetables have been sold on the US market for many years now.