Pros And Cons Of Transgenic Salmon

The FDA's recent approval of transgenic (genetically engineered) salmon gave biotech firm, AquaBounty the go ahead to sell its genetically engineered Atlantic salmon. This decision set a precedent as the first genetically altered animal product approved for human food in the United States. Approval opens the door for other transgenic food products.

Transgenic foods are a hotly debated topic. The approval met with a mix of elation from proponents and unbridled fury from some environmental and consumer advocacy groups. Since this approval is significant, a careful examination of all facts and information helps to choose which side of the debate to back. Knowledge of all sides of the issue are essential for a thorough understanding.

AquaBounty
There have also been cases of organ damage after prolonged ingestion of transgenic substances. The long terms effects on humans following continued ingestion of transgenic substances isn't known. Transgenic salmon has high levels of IGG-1. Studies by the National Cancer Institute, link IGF-1 to increased risks for certain types of cancer.

Accidental Breeding Concerns.

Although AquaBounty states all of its fish are sterile, advocacy groups counter the sterilization process isn't 100% effective. Up to 1% of the fish remain fertile. Escaped females could pass on their genes to future generations of Atlantic salmon. The result may decrease the biological fitness of native wild salmon.

FDA's Approval Process

The FDA approved AquAdvantage because it met all the mandates of the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act. The agency compared GE salmon to its non-GE counterpart and fount it nutritionally identical and safe to eat. It concluded inserting foreign DNA didn't harm the fish, and the sponsors claims of faster growth were
1. Overall effect on market prices
2. Consumption levels
3. Production costs
4. Public Health issues

Retail Advocacy

Possibly motivated by consumer and environmental concerns over GE fish, several large grocery retailers have banned sales of AquAdvantage in their stores. They include Kroger Co, Aldis, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and the world's second largest retailer, Costco. Target, which already has a non-farmed fish police in place, announced it won't carry AquAdvantage.

So far over 60 retail chains have refused to sock the product. The only large grocery retailers who have yet to sign off are Walmart and Publix. The seafood restaurant chain, Red Lobster has also announced it won't offer in its restaurants.

AquAdvantage won't appear on store shelves for another two years. AquaBounty needs at least that much time to build sufficient stock. Meanwhile, challenges to both the ruling and the lack of mandatory labeling requirements are sure to