A genetically modified salmon, rear, and a non-genetically modified salmon have different sizes at the same age. Salmon that is genetically modified to grow twice as fast as normal could show up on your dinner plate.(Photo: AquaBounty Technologies via AP)
WASHINGTON -- Federal health regulators say a genetically
engineered salmon that grows twice as fast as normal is unlikely to harm
the environment, clearing the way for the first approval of a
genetically engineered animal for human consumption.
The Food and
Drug Administration on Friday released its environmental assessment of
the AquaAdvantage salmon, a faster-growing fish which has been subject
to a contentious, yearslong debate at the agency. The document concludes
that the fish "will not have any significant impacts on the quality of
the human environment of the United States." Regulators also said that
the fish is unlikely to harm populations of natural salmon, a key
concern for environmental activists.
The FDA will take comments from the public on its report for 60 days before making it final.
The
FDA said more than two years ago that the fish appears to be safe to
eat, but the agency had taken no public action since then. Executives
for the company behind the fish, Maynard, Mass.-based AquaBounty,
speculated that the government was delaying action on their application
due to push-back from groups who oppose genetically modified food
animals.
Experts view the release of the environmental report as the final step before approval.
If
FDA regulators clear the salmon, as expected, it would be the first
scientifically altered animal approved for food anywhere in the world.
Critics
call the modified salmon a "frankenfish." They worry that it could
cause human allergies and the eventual decimation of the natural salmon
population if it escapes and breeds in the wild.
AquaBounty has
maintained that the fish is safe and that there are several safeguards
against environmental problems. The fish would be bred female and
sterile, though a very small percentage might still be able to breed.
The company said the potential for escape is low. The FDA backed these
assertions in documents released in 2010.
Since its founding in
1991, AquaBounty has burned through more than $67 million developing the
fast-growing fish. According to its midyear financial report, the
company had less than $1.5 million in cash and stock left. It has no
other products in development.
The AquaAdvantage salmon has an
added growth hormone from the Pacific Chinook salmon that allows the
fish to produce growth hormone all year long. The engineers were able to
keep the hormone active by using another gene from an eel-like fish
called an ocean pout that acts like an "on" switch for the hormone.
Typical Atlantic salmon produce the growth hormone for only part of the
year.
Associated Press