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US approves genetically modified salmon for food US approves genetically modified salmon for food
(35 minutes later)
US regulators have given the go-ahead to genetically modified salmon, making it the first GM animal destined for human consumption.US regulators have given the go-ahead to genetically modified salmon, making it the first GM animal destined for human consumption.
The Food and Drug Administration said it had given approval on the grounds that "food from the fish is safe to eat".The Food and Drug Administration said it had given approval on the grounds that "food from the fish is safe to eat".
The biotech company behind the fish, AquaBounty, first submitted its application in 1995.The biotech company behind the fish, AquaBounty, first submitted its application in 1995.
Opponents say consumers don't want to eat genetically engineered seafood. Opponents say consumers do not want to eat genetically engineered seafood.
Others have expressed concern that the salmon could pose risks to other fish if it were to escape into the environment.Others have expressed concern that the salmon could pose risks to other fish if it were to escape into the environment.
Dr Bernadette Dunham of the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine said: "The FDA has thoroughly analysed and evaluated the data and information submitted by AquaBounty Technologies regarding AquAdvantage Salmon and determined that they have met the regulatory requirements for approval, including that food from the fish is safe to eat."Dr Bernadette Dunham of the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine said: "The FDA has thoroughly analysed and evaluated the data and information submitted by AquaBounty Technologies regarding AquAdvantage Salmon and determined that they have met the regulatory requirements for approval, including that food from the fish is safe to eat."
The FDA says the salmon must be raised in tanks on land only in two facilities in Canada and Panama. The FDA says the salmon must be raised in tanks on land only in two facilities in Canada and Panama. It will not be bred or raised in the US.
The fish will not be bred or raised in the US. Safety measures include ensuring all fish are female and sterile to prevent breeding with wild fish "in the highly unlikely event of an escape".
Safety measures include ensuring the fish is sterile, so that it would be unable to breed with wild salmon "in the highly unlikely event of an escape". The transgenic salmon is a type of Atlantic salmon injected with a gene from Pacific Chinook salmon to make it grow faster.
The fish is a type of Atlantic salmon injected with a gene from Pacific Chinook salmon to make it grow faster.
'Game changer''Game changer'
The young reach market size in 16 to 18 months, rather than three years, making it feasible to raise salmon in tanks on land near urban areas. The young reach market size much quicker than conventional fish, making it feasible to raise salmon in tanks on land near urban areas.
Dr Ron Stotish, chief executive of AquaBounty, said the salmon was "a game-changer that brings healthy and nutritious food to consumers in an environmentally responsible manner without damaging the ocean and other marine habitats".Dr Ron Stotish, chief executive of AquaBounty, said the salmon was "a game-changer that brings healthy and nutritious food to consumers in an environmentally responsible manner without damaging the ocean and other marine habitats".
Some retailers have pledged not to sell the salmon, while opponents say the public will not want to buy it. However, some retailers have pledged not to sell the salmon, while opponents say the public will not want to buy it.
"Despite FDA's flawed and irresponsible approval of the first genetically engineered animal for human consumption, it's clear that there is no place in the US market for genetically engineered salmon." said Lisa Archer, food and technology programme director at Friends of the Earth.
It is not clear how soon the salmon will reach the shops, as it is expected to take the company some time to raise enough of the fish.It is not clear how soon the salmon will reach the shops, as it is expected to take the company some time to raise enough of the fish.
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