FDA first approved the use of a genetically modified animal

_{Photo of AquaBounty Technologies. In the background - genetically modified salmon}

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of genetically modified salmon from biotech company AquaBounty Technologies. The peculiarity of this GM-salmon is that it grows much faster than its “natural” counterparts living in the wild or in a fish farm. In addition, this event is remarkable by the fact that the state commission for the first time approved a genetically modified organism that is not a plant for eating as food. This is reported by Business Insider.

According to existing requirements, the FDA has subjected to laboratory testing three species of salmon, two of which have not been subjected to any genetic manipulation. A number of key hormones such as estradiol, testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone, T3, T4 and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) were taken for analysis in all fish, after which it was found that there are no “biologically significant differences” in the substances under study. In addition, it was confirmed that despite the more rapid growth of GM salmon, its nutritional value is not inferior to the “natural” appearance of this fish. It is noteworthy that it took more than 20 years to confirm the safety of eating this type of genetically modified fish at the highest state level.

The production of GM salmon was also checked. They are grown in special basins in Canada and Panama, and all measures were taken to isolate fish from the outside world so that genetically modified organisms could not get into the external environment and begin to compete in the food chain with “natural” representatives of the species. To exclude the possibility of even potential crossing between salmon with different DNA, all GM specimens are constructed female and sterile. According to the results of the inspection of fish production, a multi-page document was compiled ( pdf ).
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It is curious that the producer is not required to specifically label GM salmon for sale. According to FDA requirements, this requirement is mandatory if the GM product is significantly different (for example, in nutritional value) from a product of natural origin. Since, in this case, no differences were found between GM salmon and regular individuals, AquaBounty Technologies may label its products on a voluntary basis.