FDA approves genetically modified salmon

Salmon, which is a key fixture in the Mediterranean diet, has been approved in a genetically modified form by the FDA for human consumption, according to a press release.

It is the first genetically engineered (GE) animal intended for food that has been approved by the agency.

AquAdvantage Salmon, from AquaBounty Technologies, involves the introduction of recombinant DNA (rDNA) into the fish, which "induces a trait that makes the AquAdvantage Salmon grow faster."

As detailed by the FDA, the salmon met requirements for effectiveness and safety under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Specifically, AquaBounty demonstrated that the salmon is safe to eat, the introduced rDNA is safe for the fish and does induce growth.

Additionally, the FDA determined that "food from AquAdvantage Salmon is as safe to eat and as nutritious as food from other non-GE Atlantic salmon and that there are no biologically relevant differences in the nutritional profile of AquAdvantage Salmon compared to that of other farm-raised Atlantic salmon."

“The FDA has thoroughly analyzed 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,” Bernadette Dunham, DVM, PhD, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, said in the release.

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and has demonstrated a role in improving health, such as reducing risk of CVD and improving eye health.

According to the FDA, AquAdvantage Salmon will be raised in Canada and Panama and will not significantly impact the environment, due to measures taken by AquaBounty, such as physical barriers in the tanks and fish sterilization. The agency will continue to monitor the facilities as well as production.

The FDA also addressed labeling of GE foods in the release. The agency noted that it can only require labeling if there is a "material difference" between the GE food and its non-GE counterpart, which it did not find in AquAdvantage Salmon.

“We recognize that some consumers are interested in knowing whether food ingredients are derived from GE sources,” Susan Mayne, PhD, director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said in the release. “The FDA is issuing two guidance documents that explain how food companies that want to voluntarily label their products can provide this information to consumers.”

The FDA released the guidances, which include recommendations for manufacturers, and have invited public comment for 60 days starting on Nov. 23.