Over the past couple of months a debate has been brewing about whether genetically engineered salmon should be allowed on the market. A company called Aquabounty has been raising Atlantic salmon that have been altered with genes from Chinook salmon and a sea eel. The genetically altered salmon can reach adult size in almost half the time that traditional salmon do. This new salmon has raised a few ethical and business oriented questions. Traditional salmon producers argue that this new salmon will hurt an industry that is already struggling. Since the genetically altered salmon reach maturity faster, Aquabounty will be able to put out more salmon at a price that will likely be more competitive than what traditional salmon producers can offer.
Food safety advocates question the FDA's finding that the genetically altered salmon is safe for consumption. These activists argue that the new salmon needs to undergo further testing before it reaches markets. They also say that the salmon should have a label that indicates it is genetically engineered.
This last measure is also up for debate. Certain genetically engineered foods, like corn, do not have to have labels indicating that they are altered. However others, like soybeans, do. Aquabounty's salmon would be the first genetically altered animal offered in the marketplace. Aquabounty would likely fight labeling for its genetically altered salmon. So far the FDA has not indicated that it would require a label on the new salmon indicating that it is genetically engineered.
This leads me to the question: Would you buy salmon that was labeled as genetically altered?
Sources: 1) Genetically Engineered Salmon Nears FDA Approval (12/28/12)
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/genetically-modified-frankenfish-nears-fda-approval-debate-heats/story?id=18078157
2) Genetically Modifed Salmon May Surface Soon in the Marketplace (2/11/13)
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/02/11/genetically-engineered-salmon-may-hit-the-market-soon/
Hi Michael, great blog plus its well designed! No I would not purchase salmon that was labeled as genetically engineered. They need to conduct trials for at least another 50 years (seriously). I think this sound like something that would alter human DNA. Its time to go vegan.
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