GMO Salmon Approved by FDA

Posted in: Cleanse & Detox
Blog » Lifestyle » Cleanse & Detox » GMO Salmon Approved by FDA

GMO Salmon, unfortunately, has been approved by the FDA. And this genetically modified fish is now available in your grocery store.

On November 19, 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Aqua Advantage salmon, a genetically engineered (GE) salmon for human consumption. However, in a court ruling issued on November 5, 2020, a Federal court declared GE salmon unlawful.  The ruling said in approving GE salmon, the Food and Drug Administration violated the Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act.

It also declared that the FDA’s unilateral decision that genetically engineered salmon could have no possible effect on highly-endangered, wild Atlantic salmon was wrong. The FDA must now thoroughly analyze the environmental consequences of an escape of genetically engineered salmon into the wild.

Labeling of Genetically Engineered Salmon

This genetically engineered salmon is the first GMO animal to reach American grocery stores. However, there is no way to know if the fish you would like to purchase is genetically engineered.

Genetically modified salmon is often labeled Atlantic Salmon with no indication on the label that it was genetically engineered.

GMO salmon are modified with genes from different fish species. One produces extra growth hormone and the other fish produces an antifreeze hormone.  These modifications result in a fish that grows larger and twice as fast as non-engineered salmon.

genetically modified GMO salmon

A genetically engineered salmon and a farmed Atlantic salmon, both at 18 months old. Photo: AquaBounty/©Barrett&MacKay

Real or Frankenfish?

Critics have pressured retailers to reject the salmon, which they have labeled “Frankenfish.” They worry it could cause human allergies and the eventual decimation of the natural salmon population if it escapes into the wild.

In industrial agri-business, one way to increase profits is to reduce costs. Faster growth from altering an animal’s genetic material is one way to do that. But genetic engineering raises complex questions for ecosystems and consumers. Genetically modified (GM) salmon were patented by Canadian scientists who took a gene that regulates growth hormones in Pacific Chinook salmon and a promoter, the equivalent of a genetic ‘on-off’ switch, from an ocean pout and introduced them into the genetic structure of an Atlantic salmon.

This modification gave the Atlantic salmon a year-round appetite enabling it to reach market size faster than other farmed salmon.

ocean eel pout fish

A company called AquaBounty uses these GM fish to produce salmon eggs at its research hatchery on Prince Edward Island, Canada. The company ships the commercially produced eggs to Panama, where the fish are grown in a land-based facility.

What’s the problem?

Genetic modification (also called genetic engineering or rDNA technology) is a controversial technology that allows for the transfer of genetic material directly from one organism to another (across the species and kingdom barriers) at the molecular level, and is dramatically different from animal breeding, posing new risks and unpredictable impacts on the organism and ecosystems.

There is a lack of independent science on these GM salmon, including long-term trials studying the potential health risks. Neither the U.S. nor Canadian governments have done any safety testing and rely solely on studies done by the company. There are concerns that the sample sizes used to assess the AquaBounty fish are inadequate to determine human health and safety risks.

The FDA is currently examining the GM salmon through its process for reviewing new animal drugs because, as yet, there is no approved process for reviewing the safety of GM animals. The sale of GE fish to American shoppers is being hotly contested in the U.S. through a variety of senate, congressional, and state bills currently under debate. Information courtesy of livingoceans.org

The Current State of Salmon

On the east coast, of the New England rivers in which Atlantic salmon runs were historically found, only 16% currently support salmon. The remaining populations are so low that all U.S. Atlantic salmon are listed as endangered.

The situation is no better on the west coast. The National Marine Fisheries Service has listed the following Pacific salmon and steelhead Evolutionarily Significant Units and Distinct Population Segments as threatened or endangered.

The scattered remaining healthy Pacific salmon fisheries, such as those in Bristol Bay, Alaska, constitute some of the best, and most valuable, remaining wild fisheries on earth.

Choose Wild-Caught Salmon

If you want wild-caught salmon, you want Pacific salmon. That’s not because wild-caught Atlantic salmon wouldn’t be fabulous, but the Atlantic salmon sold commercially are all farm-raised.  Wild-caught Pacific salmon are typically considered to be the healthiest salmon.

Since you’re here, you may like our post: Mad Cow Disease Still Killing Humans.




About the author: <a href="https://www.dailydetoxstrategies.com/author/kellyskorner62hotmail-com/" target="_self">Kelly Shaeffer</a>

About the author: Kelly Shaeffer

Daily Detox Strategies

Kelly Shaeffer lives in Monterey, California and offers detox strategies to help you live a healthier life in mind, body and spirit. Change your mind, change your body, it’s all up to you!

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hidden Guests:  Are Parasites Making You Sick

Hidden Guests: Are Parasites Making You Sick

Hidden Guests: Are Parasites Making You Sick Parasites can secretly live in your body for years and cause a variety of health problems that keep you sick. A parasite is an organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at...

How To Cleanse Your Body With Autophagy

How To Cleanse Your Body With Autophagy

Autophagy is the body's way of cleansing itself. It is a biological process that removes the body's toxins and recycles damaged cell components.  When you cleanse your body with autophagy you are adding years to life. Below are tips and strategies on how to cleanse...

Increase Your Energy with Energybits

Increase Your Energy with Energybits

Increase your vitality, energy, focus while obtaining achieve better health with ENERGYbits. These tiny tablets are made of pure algae and spirulina. Algae is the healthiest, chlorophyll-rich, high protein, low-calorie food in the world. And spirulina serves as a...

Daily Detox Shop

Handmade and zen-based products that promote everyday wellness.

Free USPS delivery on all orders!

Mad Cow Disease Still Killing Cows And Humans

Ever since a family member died in 2013 of the Mad Cow Disease, otherwise known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob (CJD) disease in humans, I cannot stomach the idea of eating meat from a cow. Technically, you can't get Mad Cow Disease, because, well, you aren't a cow. You can,...

How to Make a Superfood Smoothie

When you supercharge your health with this superfood smoothie, you are providing your body a blast of antioxidants and trace minerals. This smoothie will send your taste buds on a delightful journey while nourishing your body at the same time. This delicious superfood...

Staying Hydrated is Crucial For Your Health

Are you drinking enough water? Everyone knows that staying hydrated is crucial for your health. But did you know that the functionality of our body and cognitive ability is hindered to an alarming degree if our body’s total water content drops by as little as 1...

Let’s Talk Licorice to Fade Age Spots

Let’s talk licorice!  Licorice root extract, that is. According to dermatologists, the use of licorice extract can fade dark spots and brighten your skin. I’m in! In the quest for flawless skin, few things are as annoying as dark spots. Be they from sun damage,...

Spa Review of The Lodge at Whitefish Lake

If you want to pamper yourself in Whitefish, Montana, head over to The Spa at Whitefish Lake. I visited Whitefish over the Christmas holiday to ski, visit with friends and sneak in a blissful spa treatment, something I try to achieve on every vacation. The spa is...

Hidden Guests: Are Parasites Making You Sick

Hidden Guests: Are Parasites Making You Sick Parasites can secretly live in your body for years and cause a variety of health problems that keep you sick. A parasite is an organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at...

The Power of Positive Thinking

How you go through your daily life is up to you. Will you choose to be happy or sad? What determines that is all up to you and is based on your power of positive thinking. The power of positive thinking should start as soon as you open your eyes in the morning and...

Leven Rose Organic Oils Serums and Balms

Keep your skin looking its best by applying organic, 100% pure natural oils, serums, and balms from Leven Rose. Our bodies suffer when chemicals and synthetics are applied on a daily basis! That's why I recommend Leven Rose oils, serums, and balms. Their products are...

Healing Powers of Gratitude and Love

Gratitude and love are immensely powerful forces that we can use to expand our happiness, create loving relationships, and even improve our health. Take a look at the people in your life who think that the glass-is-half-empty or the-glass-is-half-full. Then ask...

The Top Dirty Dozen Foods

Every year the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its Top Dirty Dozen Foods. This list contains the top twelve fruits and vegetables that are laden with pesticides. According to a report from the EWG, fruits and vegetables on the Top Dirty Dozen Foods list...

Our Premium Teas

Hidden Guests:  Are Parasites Making You Sick

Hidden Guests: Are Parasites Making You Sick

Hidden Guests: Are Parasites Making You Sick Parasites can secretly live in your body for years and cause a variety of health problems that keep you sick. A parasite is an organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at...

read more
How To Cleanse Your Body With Autophagy

How To Cleanse Your Body With Autophagy

Autophagy is the body's way of cleansing itself. It is a biological process that removes the body's toxins and recycles damaged cell components.  When you cleanse your body with autophagy you are adding years to life. Below are tips and strategies on how to cleanse...

read more
Increase Your Energy with Energybits

Increase Your Energy with Energybits

Increase your vitality, energy, focus while obtaining achieve better health with ENERGYbits. These tiny tablets are made of pure algae and spirulina. Algae is the healthiest, chlorophyll-rich, high protein, low-calorie food in the world. And spirulina serves as a...

read more

Visit Us

www.dailydetoxstrategies.com

Call Us

408 | 314 | 2668

Email Us

info@dailydetoxstrategies.com

Stay Connected!

Stay Connected!

Get Our Free Guide on How To Make the Perfect Green Smoothie

You have Successfully Subscribed!

%d bloggers like this: