September 21, 2010
AquAdvantage Atlantic salmon closes in on entering US markets
The US is closer to approving a genetically altered salmon fish that grows twice as fast as conventional farmed fish, and if approved, would become the first genetically modified animal for America's consumption.
The FDA advisory committee discussed whether the fish was safe to eat and whether it posed any threat to the environment. The discussion didn't conclude with a decision about the fish, but in a way, the FDA already has its conclusion. In the run-up to the meeting, the FDA posted an analysis online that said that the fish was safe to eat as traditional Atlantic salmon and posed little risk, if any, to the environment.
The AquAdvantage Atlantic salmon contains a growth hormone gene from the Chinook salmon, which accelerates its development in the first year. It also contains a fragment of DNA from the eel-like ocean pout species, which helps to switch on the Chinook gene. The altered fish stops growing when it reaches its normal size.
The FDA said that the modified fish was chemically and biologically no different from a conventional Atlantic salmon, and offers a commercial advantage because it can reach market weight in 1.5 years to two years, around half the time required for a regular salmon.
However, a senior policy analyst for the Center for Food Safety said that the FDA's studies were based on sample sizes that were too small, with certain sample sizes at around 30 fish, with others having slightly more. "A minimum of 100 fish should have been required. The data isn't enough – the FDA should ask for more," said the Jaydee Hanson, analyst for the Center for Food Safety.
On Tuesday (Sep 21), the FDA will hold a hearing on how the fish and products made from it will be labeled for consumers, but it's not clear when the FDA will make the final decision about the fish. If approved, the fish will likely not show up in US markets for two or three years due to the growing time.
