FDA Approves Genetically Modified Salmon For Consumption

In what is considered to be a historic decision, the US Food and Drug administration has approved the consumption of genetically modified animals for the first time. After conducting significant research, officials from the Food and Drug Administration announced that the genetically modified salmon fish called the AquAdvantage salmon was fit for public consumption. Extensive research conducted by the FDA concluded that there were no significant health risks or impact on the environment. 

The AquAdvantage salmon, engineered by the Massachusetts based company AquaBounty, grows to a normal size in less than half the time, as compared to regular salmon and will look and taste the same, making it a profitable venture for its producers. The salmon contains artificially injected growth hormone genes from eels and other salmon and will be produced in contained facilities in Canada and Panama. FDA’s approval does not include the provision to produce this salmon in the United States. The project had been in limbo for more than 20 years as AquaBounty first filed for FDA’s approval in 1995. The project was only fast tracked 5 years ago when the agency did not find any significant risks after exhaustive research.

Several groups have opposed the idea of artificially modified edible items and making it available in the market without proper labeling. Some fear that it may cause severe health risks such as food allergies and food poisoning and is not ethical. The Center for Food Safety have already made plans to block the approval by suing the FDA for not recognising the hazards of artificially engineered items for consumption. Although it will take 2 years for the item to hit the market, supermarkets and other sellers have already raised serious doubts on whether they will be carrying the item on their shelves, due to the enormous public outcry.