Fast growing farm salmon gets federal approval
Dec 21, 2012, 12:16 PM | Updated: 2:39 pm
A new federal report finds no problems with a genetically engineered salmon that grows twice as fast as other salmon. (AP image)
(AP image)
A Northwest icon could become a scientific first.
A new federal report finds no problems with a genetically engineered salmon that grows twice as fast as other salmon. The Food and Drug Administration has ruled that the farm-grown fish, produced by Boston-based Aquabounty, is not likely to harm the environment, including wild salmon.
According to the company website, “if they escape, they are generally not adept at finding new feed. More than 85 percent of the farm escapees caught off British Columbia and Alaska were found to have no food in their bellies and are probably more exposed to predators themselves.”
The FDA decision clears the way for the first approval of a genetically engineered animal for human consumption.
The salmon has been subject to a contentious, years-long debate at the agency. The F-D-A previously said the fish appears to be safe to eat and the environmental assessment could be the final step before approval.
