Genetically Altered Salmon May Be on Tables Soon

FDA reviewing first engineered animal for consumption
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 26, 2010 11:38 AM CDT
Genetically Altered Salmon May Be on Tables Soon
A grizzly goes fishing for non-engineered salmon.   (AP Photo/Florentine Films and WETA , Craig Mellish)

A side of growth hormone with your salmon? The FDA is giving what the New York Times calls serious consideration to genetically altered salmon. The first public meeting will probably take place in the fall, and the frankenfish could be on tables in 2 to 3 years. Genetically altered crops are already on the market, but this would be the first such engineered animal for eating. If it passes muster, expect so-called "enviropigs" to follow.

These salmon would be raised in fish farms and kept sterile in case of escape. They'd grow to market size in about 18 months, about half the usual time, because of an added growth hormone and something described as a "genetic on-switch." Among the issues still to be resolved: whether the FDA would require them to be labeled as genetically engineered. No such rule exists for altered crops, notes the Times.
(More salmon stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X