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
