"Panel Advises More Aggressive FDA Analysis of Engineered Salmon"

"ROCKVILLE, Md. -- While a genetically engineered salmon is almost certainly safe to eat, the government should pursue a more rigorous analysis of the fish's possible health effects and environmental impact, members of a federal advisory committee said yesterday.

The independent panel made up largely of veterinary scientists was convened by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to discuss the agency's upcoming decision on whether to allow the commercial cultivation of a fast-growing salmon engineered by the biotech firm AquaBounty Technologies. The panel's deliberations, which included no formal vote, are not binding on the agency, but could prompt an internal review of FDA's protocols.

The modified Atlantic salmon would be the first bioengineered fish approved for human consumption; fluorescent aquarium fish carrying a jellyfish gene have been marketed in the United States for nearly a decade. The FDA finalized its oversight of biotech animals last year, and its current deliberation will likely carry heavy precedent in the future."

Paul Voosen reports for Greenwire September 21, 2010.

SEE ALSO:

"Panel Leans in Favor of Engineered Salmon" (New York Times)

"Biotech Salmon Leaves Many Questions" (Reuters)

"No Agreement Imminent on Salmon Labeling" (Los Angeles Times)

"FDA Reviews Proposal for Sale of Genetically Altered Salmon" (AP)

"FDA Panel on Genetically Modified Salmon Leaves Questions Unanswered" (USA TODAY)

"Biotech Salmon Faces Scrutiny At FDA Panel" (Reuters)

"A Fishy Question About Genetically Engineered Salmon" (NPR)

"To Label or Not Label Lab-Spawned Salmon" (Wall St. Journal)