FishFeel.org
December 2015
The experimental fish have suffered high rates of malformation and inflammation. The approval comes despite the FDA having received more comments on it than any other single issue (over 2 million) and fierce opposition by animal protection, consumer, and environmental organizations....The government is planning to update genetic engineering regulations this year for the first time since 1992.
AquAdvantage salmon has been approved as the first genetically engineered animals to be allowed for human consumption in the U.S. They have been made to grow faster through the insertion of genetic components from other fish species. The experimental fish have suffered high rates of malformation and inflammation. The approval comes despite the FDA having received more comments on it than any other single issue (over 2 million) and fierce opposition by animal protection, consumer, and environmental organizations.
Criticisms include that safety studies were inadequate and that wild salmon populations might be detrimentally affected by modified fish who escape into waterways. No special labeling will be required. Some 60 major supermarket chains have stated they will not offer the fish. Wal-Mart has yet to agree to not carry them (petition).
The New York Times reports that “a menagerie of gene-edited animals is already being raised” for potential use as food, fiber, bio-medicine, or as companion animals. Their rapid arrival “threatens to outstrip public discussion of the risks and benefits.” The government is planning to update genetic engineering regulations this year for the first time since 1992.
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