GM Salmon (back) and Non-GM Atlantic Salmon (front)
A United States federal agency approved genetically modified (GM) salmon for human consumption on November 19, Thursday, making it the first U.S. genetically-altered animal for food approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). AquaBounty Technologies has been fighting for FDA approval since the 1990s, and over five years ago federal regulators ruled that the fish is safe for human bodies and the Earth's environment.
The AquAdvantage salmon is an Atlantic salmon. It grows to full size in about half the time of a non-GM salmon.
Some environmental and consumer groups have been strongly opposed to the genetically engineered food. They argued that if the GM fishes escaped into rivers and oceans they would affect wild salmon.
Wenonah Hauter is the executive director of Food & Water Watch. She claimed that the FDA's decision opposed the wishes of many consumers, scientists, members of Congress, and salmon growers, according to The New York Times.
Just hours after the federal government's decision, the advocacy group Center for Food Safety claimed it would take legal action. It will sue the FDA.
However, the FDA explained that it had carefully studied the data submitted by AquaBounty about its GM salmon. It concluded that it meets the agency's requirements and is safe as human food.
FDA officials said that the approval process took a long time because it was the FDA's first ruling on a GM animal for food. The product will require no special labels to show that the food has been genetically engineered. That is the same as GM soybeans, corn, and potatoes sold in the U.S., according to NBC News.
AquaBounty's GM salmon will likely be available in supermarkets in a few years. However, it will be in small amounts.
Here is a short debate about GM foods:
