The FDA says there are no biologically relevant differences in the nutritional profile of the AquAdvantage salmon.
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The salmon are only allowed to be housed in two tanks located in Canada and Panama.
AquaBounty CEO Ron Stotish says his company’s genetically modified fish are a “game changer that brings healthy and nutritious food to consumers in an environmentally responsible manner without damaging the ocean and other marine habitats”.
However, the FDA noted that the AquAdvantage salmon “are reproductively sterile so that even in the highly unlikely event of an escape, they would be unable to interbreed or establish populations in the wild”.
Retailers themselves can decide whether or not to label the fish as “genetically modified” when they arrive in United States stores – the FDA does not require them to do so. Knowing an FDA approval was likely, critics have in recent years won commitments from a few of the nation’s most recognizable chains – including Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Target – to not sell the fish.
However, despite all these safeguards many consumer and environmental advocacy groups opposed the Thursday decision.
“Obviously they have to grow the fish so and their market wait is around about 18 months, versus three years with a conventional salmon”, she said.
Numerous scientific organizations have issued statements saying that genetically modified plants are safe.
“FDA 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”, the FDA noted on its website.
What are the chances the fish will escape into the wild? In order to make sure the fish do not make their way out, the facilities have multiple barriers. It would not be required to label the salmon as genetically engineered, said the FDA. Opponents say if the fish were ever to escape AquaAdvantage’s confines, it could “outcompete wild salmon for food or mates”.
The decision could set a precedent that allows more genetically-modified animal products into our supermarket, and many fear this genetic tinkering with our food will have disastrous results.
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But in an apparent concession to consumers who want to stay away from genetically engineered foods, the FDA also released draft recommendations Thursday to help guide food companies that want to tell consumers if their foods – plants or animals – have or have not been genetically modified. The salmon, produced by “Aqua Advantage Salmon” grow faster. twice as fast as normal salmon.
