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FDA: Genetically Modified Salmon Is Now Safe To Eat

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — For the first time in the U.S., genetically modified salmon has been approved to eat, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials announced Friday.

After conducting significant research on AquAdvantage salmon, produced by the manufacturer AquaBounty Technology, FDA scientists found the genetically engineered (GE) fish are just as nutritious as Atlantic salmon.

"The data demonstrated that the inserted genes remained stable over several generations of fish, that food from the GE salmon is safe to eat by humans and animals, that the genetic engineering is safe for the fish and the salmon meets the sponsor's claim about faster growth," the FDA said in a press release.

gmo salmon
(credit: FDA)

Genetically modified salmon, which contains growth hormone genes from eel and other types of salmon, grows faster and larger than normal fish.

According to AquAdvantage, the salmon will look and taste like non-altered fish.

Researchers added there will be no significant impact on the environment for the U.S. as the company uses multiple containment measures in Panama and Canada, which are extremely unlikely for fish to escape from.

Meanwhile, critics who call the salmon "Frankenfish" remain upset that the FDA will not require labels stating that the fish is genetically modified.

According to the press release, the law "does not require food containing ingredients derived from these salmon to be labeled as GE."

However, the FDA is releasing two voluntary labeling documents -- food derived from Atlantic salmon that has or has not been genetically engineered, and food that has or has not been derived from GE plants -- for interested consumers and food manufacturers who will want to make the distinction between the fish.

Starting on Monday, public submissions can be made about the voluntary labeling online. To do so, click here.

 

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