Fishing for Confirmation

Salmon may soon be the first genetically modified animal to enter the American food supply.

AquaBounty Technologies of Waltham, Mass. has replaced the salmon gene that allows it to produce growth hormones solely during the warm seasons of the year with genes from another fish so that it grows all year round. The modified fish reach maturity in 16-18 months, compared to the 30 months it currently takes farmed Atlantic salmon to reach maturity.

After years of pushing the FDA for approval of its salmon, AquaBounty’s goal now seems within reach. The FDA has reviewed the genetically modified salmon and released an analysis that deems the product “as safe as food from conventional Atlantic salmon” with “a reasonable certainty of no harm from consumption.” It is anticipated that the FDA’s recommendation will lead to official approval of the salmon.

While the FDA has so far reacted positively to the AquaBounty salmon, it seems the research done is insufficient to make a final decision. The FDA analysis was largely based on data submitted by AquaBounty, in which the company used surprisingly small sample sizes to conduct its research. More research done on the genetically modified salmon, particularly by institutions that do not stand to gain as a result of a certain outcome, should be conducted before the FDA allows the introduction of this salmon into the American food supply.

History shows us that the FDA has a disappointing track record when it comes to making decisions about food on the market in the U.S., often approving products without sufficient research or transparency. In order to regain the trust of the public, the FDA must be revamped to include more measures of ensuring transparency and public reporting.

Yet beside the concern about the quality of AquaBounty salmon and its impact on the health of consumers, there are also environmental concerns to be considered. A coalition of 31 consumer, animal welfare, environmental, and fisheries groups announced opposition to the approval last week. They cited, in particular, the concern that the salmon could escape and possibly outcompete wild salmon for food or mates. To assuage this concern, if the FDA approves the genetically modified salmon, we hope that they would make efforts to support biodiversity as well.

The role of the U.S. in the world market is so large that very few countries are impervious to its influence. That being the case, there is a great possibility that other countries that do not want genetically modified salmon will be forced to accept it if salmon mix, as history shows they likely will. It is unfortunate that a decision made by the FDA will have a global impact without consent from the rest of the world’s salmon consumers.

Yet, despite the environmental and public-health concerns, genetically modified salmon may be an option worth pursuing if the FDA conducts further, public testing. Genetically modified foods such as corn and soybeans provide cheaper alternatives at a large scale. Due to its health benefits, a safe introduction of genetically modified salmon would be even more commendable.

AquaBounty may have come a step closer in its aim to win approval for its salmon, but for the best results of this new technology, we hope that the FDA will hold off until more research and transparency is available.