Agricultural News
BIO Applauds FDA Approval of GE Salmon
Thu, 19 Nov 2015 17:19:59 CST
After conducting a thorough and rigorous regulatory review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the genetically engineered (GE) AquAdvantage® Salmon for commercial marketing.
In response to FDA's approval of AquAdvantage® Salmon, Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) President and CEO Jim Greenwood issued the following statement:
"BIO commends the FDA for taking this very important step in the right direction for the advancement of animal biotechnology innovation. The development of AquAdvantage® Salmon is based on more than two decades of scientific research, making it the most studied line of Atlantic salmon. The agency found that AquAdvantage® Salmon is not materially different from other Atlantic salmon and is just as safe and nutritious as non-GE salmon. AquAdvantage® Salmon can be grown in contained facilities close to population centers, thus bringing fresh seafood to consumers with a reduced environmental impact.
"Animal biotechnology can improve livestock to require less feed, produce more protein, and reduce environmental impact, while also providing for enhanced animal health and welfare. Other animal biotechnology applications can improve human health through faster discovery of cures, improved medicines and life-saving tissues and organs.
"The rigorous FDA approval process assures the safety and efficacy of genetically engineered animal products. BIO looks forward to the FDA continuing to encourage innovation while assuring safety through a science-based, risk-appropriate regulatory path that recognizes the safety and benefits that the field of animal biotechnology can bring to the global population."
The AquAdvantage® Salmon was developed by Massachusetts-based AquaBounty Technologies, a Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) member. According to AquaBoutny, it is genetically engineered to reach its market weight in half the time of conventionally raised salmon while using 25% less food, thus contributing to more sustainable aquaculture systems.
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