U.S. Atlantic salmon and many populations of Pacific salmon, are protected by the Endangered Species Act and in danger of extinction. A coalition of organizations has sued the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over its approval of the first genetically engineered (GE) food animal – an Atlantic salmon. The salmon, designed to grow quickly, was created by AquaBounty Technologies from three different types of fish. The FDA’s decision was the first by any government in the world to approve a GE animal for sale and consumption. In December 2012, the FDA approved salmon that were not only resistant to Salmonella but also able to produce their own antibiotics. Opponents believe that the FDA has failed to consider the risk to wild salmon and fishing communities.
A coalition of organizations has sued the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over its approval of the first genetically engineered (GE) food animal – an Atlantic salmon. The salmon, designed to grow quickly, was created by AquaBounty Technologies from three different types of fish. The FDA’s decision was the first by any government in the world to approve a GE animal for sale and consumption. In December 2012, the FDA approved salmon that were not only resistant to Salmonella but also able to produce their own antibiotics. Opponents believe that the FDA has failed to consider the risk to wild salmon and fishing communities.