AquaBounty's GM salmon becomes the first genetically altered animal to be marked safe for dinner

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday approved the use of genetically engineered Atlantic salmon, marking it as “safe” for human consumption. The approval is the first of its kind for an animal with an altered or scientifically modelled DNA.

The genetically salmon is a product of Massachusetts-based AquaBounty Technologies. The company initially applied for an approval in the 1990s. After a long wait and nearly five years ago, the FDA declared that the genetically engineered salmon is as safe as conventional farm-raised Atlantic salmon. However, the product was not approved for human consumption until now.

The FDA has stated that since the genetically modified salmon is nutritionally equivalent to farm-raised Atlantic salmon, it does not require any labels. However, the decision is being opposed by a number of environmental groups and consumers who believe that safety studies conducted before the approval are not enough. In addition, they say that the approval will impact the wild salmon population.

“This unfortunate, historic decision disregards the vast majority of consumers, many independent scientists, numerous members of Congress and salmon growers around the world, who have voiced strong opposition,” said Wenonah Hauter of the Food & Water Watch, the New York Times reports.

Meanwhile, FDA officials state that it took so long for the regulatory body to give a go ahead because it was one of the first approval of its kind. Even though the product requires no labeling, the FDA has issued a draft guidance as to wording that the companies could use to label the product as genetically engineered.

AquaBounty altered the DNA of the salmon to make it grow faster than the traditionally reared salmon. The genetically engineered salmon is expected to hit the market by the end of the next two years.

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