The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is evaluating an application from AquaBounty Technologies, a Massachusetts-based company, to approve its genetically engineered salmon for human consumption. If approved, it would be the first genetically modified animal to be sold as food in the United States.
The salmon, known as AquAdvantage, has been engineered to grow faster than wild salmon by inserting a growth hormone gene from Chinook salmon and a regulatory gene from ocean pout, an eel-like fish, into the genome of Atlantic salmon. This allows the fish to produce growth hormone throughout the year, rather than only during certain seasons.
The FDA is reviewing the safety and effectiveness of the genetically engineered salmon through its Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). The CVM has conducted an extensive review of the scientific literature and other data submitted by AquaBounty, and has concluded that the AquAdvantage salmon is safe for human consumption and poses no significant risks to the environment.
However, the approval process has been controversial. Some environmental groups and consumer advocates are opposed to the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the food supply, arguing that they could pose potential risks to human health and the environment. Others argue that GMOs can be beneficial, and that the AquAdvantage salmon is a safe and sustainable alternative to wild salmon.
The FDA is expected to make a decision on the AquAdvantage salmon by the end of 2020. If approved, the genetically engineered salmon could be on the market by 2021.
Here are some of the arguments for and against the approval of genetically engineered salmon:
Arguments for approval:
- The AquAdvantage salmon is safe for human consumption. The FDA has conducted a rigorous review of the scientific data and has concluded that the genetically engineered salmon poses no significant risks to human health.
- Genetically engineered salmon could provide a sustainable alternative to wild salmon. Wild salmon populations are declining due to overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Genetically engineered salmon could help to meet the demand for salmon while reducing the pressure on wild populations.
- Genetically engineered salmon could be more nutritious than wild salmon. The AquAdvantage salmon has been engineered to produce higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for human health.
Arguments against approval:
- The long-term effects of consuming genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are unknown. Some environmental groups and consumer advocates are concerned that GMOs could pose potential risks to human health, such as allergies or antibiotic resistance.
- Genetically engineered salmon could escape into the environment and interbreed with wild salmon, which could lead to the spread of the growth hormone gene. This could have unintended consequences on wild salmon populations, such as increased growth rates and decreased survival rates.
- Genetically engineered salmon could have negative effects on the environment. For example, they could compete with native species for food and habitat, or they could introduce new diseases into the ecosystem.
The decision of whether or not to approve genetically engineered salmon is a complex one. The FDA must weigh the potential risks and benefits of the technology and make a decision that is in the best interests of public health and the environment.
