Posts tagged: GE fish

Major Supermarket Chains Already Saying No to Selling GE Fish

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3eyedfishWhile genetically engineered fish (and other living beings) are not yet available for public consumption, supermarket chains across the US have already pledged to not sell the frankenfish. A coalition of consumer, health, food safety and fishing groups launched the Campaign for Genetically Engineered-Free Seafood, which includes nearly 2000 stores, to keep the freaky fish off their shelves.

The reality of genetically engineered seafood is not far off. The FDA is currently conducting its final review of GE salmon, which if approved, would be the first-ever genetically engineered animal allowed to enter the human food supply.

According to Eco Watch, stores that have committed to not offer the salmon or other genetically engineered seafood include: Trader Joe’s (367 stores), Aldi (1,230 stores), Whole Foods (325 stores in U.S.); regional chains such as Marsh Supermarkets (93 stores in Indiana and Ohio), PCC Natural Markets (nine stores in Washington State); and co-ops in Minnesota, New York, California and Kansas.

So what exactly is the deal with GE fish? Continue reading →

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Coming Soon, Genetically Modified Fish?

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It sounds like a dystopian science fiction novel – one where fish are created in a lab and then make their way onto your dinner plate. Massachusetts-based AquaBounty Technologies, “a biotechnology company focused on enhancing productivity in the aquaculture market,” has been trying to get the FDA to approve its genetically engineered salmon for over a decade now.

Does this mean the days of wacky scientists creating our seafood are upon us? Maybe, but let’s hope not.

Back in the fall of 2010, there was a massive public outcry over the FDA announcing its intent to approve AquaBounty’s application. According to EcoWatch, 400,000 comments were sent in opposition and a citizen’s petition was drawn up. The petition, filed on behalf of Ocean Conservancy, Friends of the Earth, Center for Food Safety, Food & Water Watch, the Center for International Environmental Law and Greenpeace, asked the FDA to “complete a thorough environmental impact statement assessing the full range of potential environmental and ecological risks associated with an application to market the first-ever genetically engineered (GE) fish intended for human consumption in the U.S.” Continue reading →

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