What You Need to Know about GE Salmon

Would you eat salmon that has been genetically modified? The FDA announced approval of the first genetically altered animal in November 2015. What will this mean to you and me?

In his book Altered Genes, Twisted Truth, attorney Steven Druker reflects on the concept of mythogenesis, a phrase used by biologist and biotech advocate William Bains suggesting that the more the public knows about genetic modification, the less likely they are to trust it. Bains advises the industry to offer fewer facts and more “mythic images.”

It is therefore up to us as consumers to educate ourselves. Let’s consider the facts surrounding the FDA’s approval of genetically engineered (GE) salmon.

1. The goal is faster growth

AquaBounty, the creator of the FDA-approved salmon, takes an Atlantic salmon and modifies it using the growth hormone gene from the Chinook salmon (a large salmon native to the Pacific Northwest) and the gene of the eelpout fish, a “cousin” of the saltwater cod. The eelpout’s gene keeps the growth hormone turned on, since Atlantic salmon growth hormones are turned off for much of the year.

2. AquaBounty’s salmon will be sterile

The modification process manipulates the salmon’s sex hormones to create a sterile female fish with three copies of each chromosome instead of two. The AquaBounty website assures the consumer:

Fish grown from AquAdvantage® eggs are all female and sterile, making it impossible for them to breed among themselves and with other salmon. In addition, FDA approval requires them to be grown in physically contained land-based systems, further reducing any potential impact on wild populations.

However, the company has already acknowledged an accidental mishap at their Panama facility. According to Food & Water Watch:

The FDA leaves it up to the company to prove safety when it comes to genetically engineered animals. In their document Guidance for Industry: Regulation of Genetically Engineered Animals Containing Heritable Recombinant DNA Constructs, the FDA describes what is needed when applying for approval.

When submitting an NADA (New Animal Drug Application), you should include the results of any investigations you conducted under an INAD. We will evaluate the NADA to determine whether you have demonstrated that the new animal drug is safe and effective for its intended use.

In its FAQ section announcing the approval of AquAdvantage salmon, the FDA justifies the application process.

The data in the application are provided by the company, because the burden of proof is on the sponsor, or company, to demonstrate safety and to validate the claim that is being made.

Note: The FDA did assemble a group of scientists to review the risk assessment. However, many of the members of the advisory team noted significant deficiencies, gaps in data, and lack of transparency. (See the Food & Water Watch article noted above.)

4. AquaBounty’s salmon is classified as a drug

The FDA has chosen to regulate all GE animals as a veterinary drug rather than food. According to an FDA press release:

The FDA regulates GE animals under the new animal drug provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, because the recombinant DNA (rDNA) construct introduced into the animal meets the definition of a drug. In this case, the rDNA construct introduces a trait that makes the AquAdvantage Salmon grow faster.

This decision narrows the scope of the necessary risk assessment. As yet, there have been no studies on the human health effects of eating GE salmon.

5. No labeling is required

Labeling of GMO salmon will be voluntary. The Food and Drug Administration has determined there is no difference between engineered and non-GE farmed fish when it comes to nutritional content. The FDA does offer two proposed voluntary statements:

• “Genetically engineered” or
• “This salmon patty was made from Atlantic salmon produced using modern biotechnology.”

If a company wants to give a reason for the genetic modification, the FDA suggests the following statement:

• “This Atlantic salmon was genetically engineered so it can reach market weight faster than its non-genetically engineered counterpart.”

This policy exists despite polls showing that consumers continue to believe that GE foods should be labeled.

What’s Next?

Next on the GE animal docket is the Enviropig, a line of Yorkshire pigs that digest phosphorus more efficiently than unmodified pigs.

We have opened a can of worms—or AquAdvantage salmon, as the case may be—with the approval of the first genetically modified animal. Let’s continue to educate ourselves and others about GE salmon.