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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 almost 20 years ago.
Opponents say consumers do not 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. They have also 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. It will not be bred or raised in the US. The FDA ruled that the salmon must be raised in tanks on land at only two facilities in Canada and Panama. It 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 producing fish that are sterile to prevent cross breeding with wild fish "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 transgenic salmon 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 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".
However, some retailers have pledged not to sell the salmon, while opponents say the public will not want to buy it. He said the young reach adult size much quicker than conventional fish, making it feasible to raise salmon in tanks on land near urban areas.
"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. However, it is unclear whether retailers will want to sell the salmon and whether the public will want to buy it.
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. Lisa Archer, food and technology programme director at Friends of the Earth, said despite the 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".
There are also uncertainties over how long it will take for the salmon to be produced in sufficient numbers for marketing.
Prof Helen Sang of the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh said the approval by the FDA set a precedent and is a step towards GM animals for food.
"It's the first genetically engineered animal for food that's been approved anywhere in the world," she told BBC News.
"There's been a feeling that many companies have been waiting to see if the US will approve GM salmon before going ahead themselves."
Using the technology outside of the US would require approval by other regulators.
Dr Joe Perry, former Chair of the European Food Safety Authority GMO Panel, said that if an application were made to raise GM salmon in Europe the risk assessment "would require considerably more data".
"There remain legitimate ecological concerns over the possible consequences if these GM salmon escape to the wild and reproduce, despite FDA assurances over containment and sterility, neither of which can be guaranteed," he said.
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The use of genetically engineered animals could revolutionise areas of public health and agriculture, according to advocates. But is the world ready for modified mosquitoes and GM salmon?The use of genetically engineered animals could revolutionise areas of public health and agriculture, according to advocates. But is the world ready for modified mosquitoes and GM salmon?