This article in Science Magazine discusses how a genetically modified (GM) salmon has become the first animal to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The ”AquAdvantage salmon,” which grows twice as fast as non-GM Atlantic salmon, was developed over the course of 20 years by the company AquaBounty Technologies.
Even though this salmon has now been approved by the FDA, who states that it is safe to eat, the debate on the safety of GM products is likely to continue. This article discusses a new USDA report which provides an environmental assessment of the salmon and mentions that both this report and a draft assessment released in 2012 found that the salmon is unlikely to have any harmful impact on the environment. However, environmental groups continue to voice their fears that the fish could become invasive if released into the wild.
Read the full article here and read more about GM foods and biotechnology here.
Green facts has published a very useful brief summary highlight (as well as a longer summary) of the USDA’s environmental assessment report of AquaAdvantage salmon.
We would be very happy if you wanted to contribute with your views on the potential of and challenges/problems with GMO foods and in particular this new type of Salmon. Do please comment below this story in the comments box. Note that you have to be logged in to comment.
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