GMO Salmon-No Label Needed!

The other day, when my internet wouldn’t work dependably, the FDA approval of AquaBounty GMO salmon came through. As if that isn’t bad enough, now it doesn’t need to be labeled. Ick. So, as matters to a lot of people, what they have done is implant in the genes of  a Levitically clean fish, the genes of an  an eel fish (which isn’t clean) and now we get insanely fast growing genetically modified fish with no labeling. And of course, it will never get out and breed in the wild! Sheesh. Here’s an article on the lack of labeling:

Genetically Engineered Salmon Will Not Be Labeled

Consumers wanting to avoid genetically engineered salmon, if it eventually reaches grocery stores, might have a hard time being sure. That is because the Food and Drug Administration said on Thursday that the salmon would not have to be labeled as genetically engineered.

That is consistent with the F.D.A. stance on the widely eaten foods made from genetically modified corn, soybeans and other crops. The F.D.A. on Thursday rejected two petitions from groups asking for required labeling of genetically engineered foods.

Agency officials explained on Thursday that the law required labeling of “material” aspects of food, and that use of genetic engineering per se is not material. A significant change in the nutritional content of a food would be an example of a material change, and that altered nutritional profile would have to be on the label, but not the fact that it was produced by genetic engineering. (In the case of the salmon, the agency said there were no material differences between the genetically engineered salmon and a conventional counterpart.)

Still, the F.D.A. on Thursday issued draft guidance for voluntarily labeling salmon and final guidance for voluntarily labeling foods made from bioengineered crops.

Few or no companies want to voluntarily label their products as being genetically engineered since that might hurt sales, and many have lobbied heavily against mandatory labeling. But as consumer pressure for transparency about ingredients grows, an increasing number of companies are labeling their nonengineered products.

The labeling issue is heading for a showdown.

A Vermont law requiring labeling of genetically engineered foods will take effect in July unless food industry groups succeed in getting it blocked by a court. The House of Representatives has passed a bill that would pre-empt states from requiring such labeling.

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1 Comment (+add yours?)

  1. Malcolm
    Nov 22, 2015 @ 18:39:57

    Well it looks like Jews or anyone that eats kosher are no longer going to be able to eat salmon since they will never be able to know if it is GMO or not.
    Thanks for your hard work and informative articles.

    Reply

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