AquaBounty Technologies, which is based in MA, is the producer of the AquAdvantage Salmon. Growing salmon in tanks on land reduces water pollution associated with fish farming in the ocean or marine inlets.
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“The fish is essentially Atlantic salmon with a Pacific salmon gene for faster growth and a gene from the eel-like ocean pout that promotes year-round growth”, Reuters reported.
FDA officials reported that the agency carried out a comprehensive analysis of the scientific evidence and determined that AquAdvantage Salmon meets the statutory requirements for safety and effectiveness under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
The FDA says science and a comprehensive review informed their decision and that the fish is as safe and nutritious to eat as regular salmon.
But people should have the choice, meaning grocery stores should include a GMO label if they decide to sell AquaBounty salmon. They are also concerned that this sets a precedent for other companies to produce genetically engineered fish eggs in Canada as well. However, retailers could label the fish if they wish and the FDA has created guidelines for such labeling.
Because the agency found no material differences from conventional salmon, the modified salmon are not required to be labeled as such. And it’s still unclear whether the public will have an appetite for the fish.
Genetic engineering is already widely-used for crops, but the government until now has not considered allowing the consumption of modified animals. The FDA isn’t aware of any information that foods from genetically engineered sources differ from their non-genetically engineered counterparts or are less safe, she added.
Critics call the modified salmon a “frankenfish”.
Some consumer groups have opposed the fish, saying it could be risky to human health and may pose risks to other fish if it were to escape into the environment.
The salmon has also faced opposition in Congress. Alaska Sen.
Whether any food companies would take the step, or begin using non-genetically engineered foods rather than non-GMO., is not known at this point.
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A 2012 FDA assessment showed that development of the salmon is unlikely to harm the environment. AquaBounty Technologies, a MA biotech company, says the salmon can grow to market size in as fast as half the time as ordinary farmed salmon while eating 10 percent less food.
