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Fish or Frankenfish? The FDA debates the issue
(CNN) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration held a hearing Tuesday as it considers genetically engineered salmon for human consumption. The hearing specifically focused on the food labeling policies that might be made for the AquAdvantage Salmon.
Speakers included AquaBounty Technologies Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ron Stotish; Alison L. Van Eenennaam of the University of California Davis; and Abby Brandel, Associate Chief Counsel at Food and Drug Administration
Consumer protection advocates said food should be labeled as such if it derives from a genetically modified organism. AquaBounty, on the other hand, argued that genetically modified salmon should not be required to display additional labeling as it has the same qualities as the non-GMO Atlantic salmon.
“We do not believe there is any material difference between AquAdvantage Salmon and an Atlantic salmon. This fish meets the definition as defined and accepted by the FDA,” said Stotish.
“I think we all can understand the label can play an important role in consumer purchase decisions and dietary choices,” said Abby Brandel. She added that “the FDA may not be able to require this information, it's important to note that a company can choose to include this information on a food label [or] can choose to provide the information about whether a food is or is not made from a GE organism.”
Currently, the FDA does not require special labeling for foods developed using recombinant DNA techniques.
Alison L. Van Eenennaam questioned the push for labeling, “…when we do not have or require analogous information on the fish we currently consume.”
The final verdict on GMO salmon’s place in the consumer marketplace has not been made.
Sound off: We want to hear from you this morning. Would you eat genetically modified salmon? Add your comments to the LIVE Blog below and we'll read some of them on the show.
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Genetically altered farmers have done this forever! You like a trait in an animal you breed that animal with another anumal of the same trait right? Called selective breeding: Breeding. So now we are afraid of what farmers ,and agrocultruist have been doing for yrs. It is making a better product in the labratory instead of years in the on the farm I really do not think that our children will be born with gills,or have scales for skin from it; so to barrow a phraze where's the beef?
People are too accepting of science. No one knows the long term effects of GMO agents in our food chain, and the FDA should be stepping up and enforcing pure food standards. If science want to play in improving available foods, then apply your knowledge to improving the environment so product is more successful. Altering the genetics of the foods we eat will alter us in the long just as growth hormones is starting to do.
What will determine the market for these salmon won't be labeling but pricing. If they are priced lower than normal salmon, they will sell. If they cost more, I don't see how they will sell. Either way, a label would be unnecessary as the price difference would make their origin obvious. Of course if they are priced similarly, only a label would alert the public. If the cost is the same, why would anyone buy a fish that has been tinkered w/ over one that nature has produced?
The debate over which income taxes to cut and which to increase is interesting. Rich v. middle class v. poor. To me, the answer is simple: no income taxes on the first $100,000 of earned income and 'gains' per dependent; and a staggered percentage for each $100,000 earned and gained thereafter, regardless of how many dependents, with no deductions allowed period. Reduce the standard form to four lines: how much you earned, times how many dependents, for a grand total, and then how much taxes are due.
The FDA is nothing but another arm of the Pharmaceutical Industry. Which means that we are being used and mislead. I bet none of the industry and elite will be eating any these genetically modified animals or vegetation. We need to stop acting like sheeple. GOD help us all....
These fish can't be any more dangerous than fish caught in our waters. Our streams. rivers, lakes & even oceans are polluted w/ known & unknown toxins. Even our drinking water was found to have medications in it.
Like mercury & other toxins that have been found in our fish, we are told these are only trace amounts & they pose no danger. Just don't eat too much fish or drink too much tap water. And don't forget, don't breathe too much air!!!
Frank W. my familt knew 3 men that died in the late 1970's from working in a Johns-Manville plant and they died of whatwas called shingle-lungs (Mesothelioma) they coughed spewed and sputtered and drown on their own blood when there lung linings burst...they got zero money.
Corn altered products reach the form of corn syrup to sweeten soft drinks have been proven to cause health problems uncounted and the advertising of Coke keeps the fools coming back. Americans are merely chemical experiments...lol...lol...lol...
Ok, so where can I find the piece about Woodwards new book to comment on?
Anywhooo, is it just me or is Woodwards timing just a coincidence?
Just like Salmon being genetically engineered to grow bigger, eat... or read, at your own risk!!
NO!!
A few points:
Where is the Religious Right when you need them?
The controversy of whether Government is too big or small continues.
Big business fingerprints are all over this one.
Have you noticed how many drug lawsuits on previously tested FDA approved drugs are ongoing. I think I have seen attorneys advertise even on the CNN network. How many years did it take for the link between asbestos use and the lung disease Mesothelioma to surface?
For decades the medical field has been searching for treatments for countless diseases and cancer. Meanwhile, simple logic indicates that every time "we mess with Mother Nature" we get into trouble. It usually takes 20 or 30 years.
The very least we deserve as Americans is the "right to know" what we are eating and drinking. To my way of thinking this should be a law that the FDA must follow!
Frank W., Riverhead, N.Y.
I think they should call the new fish Soylent Green.
I want to open a business using engineered bass for people who suck at fishing. Make them move slower and fight less, but taste better. Anyone want to throw me some startup cash? (Just don't expect to see it back for...well, longer than you have left on this planet.)
Well, okay, I guess, but please don't mess with the mercury content of the fish we eat.
Also, I have a neighbor who insists on barbecuing microwave hot dogs. Should I be wearing a respirator when he performs this task? I've noticed the Zinnias sort of double over in our garden when this is taking place.
You asked some great questions and I'm glad you emphasized the labeling issue. I just wish, when the gentleman from the Food Institute mentioned that we have been eating GM foods for almost 15 years in our corn and soy that is used for processed foods, you would have asked him ..and do you think that we are the healthiest nation? You cannot ignore the fact that a possible reason for the decline in our health might have something to do with all the GM soy and corn in our food system.
I just listened to the interview with the gentleman from Rutgers regarding the genetically engineered salmon. I am even more skeptical now than before hearing him speak. Given the position he hold, I expected a more informative and balanced response based on scientific research. Instead, what I heard was an infomercial for the producers of the salmon and the FDA. Most notable was his rationale for NOT labeling the product as genetically engineered. The track record of the FDA has been questionable, so I wouldn't depend heavily on their "stamp of approval." Err on the side of caution.....
There are already genetically modified fruits & vegetables on the market. They require no additional labeling.
We are asking the FDA to label the salmon. Supposedly it is not necessary because there is no difference between one or the other. Now, my question is: Why the rib eye in a supermarket has to be labeled to be from "Mexico" or from the US? Is that a regulation?Is it simply because there is a difference between those two rib eyes ? They are the same meat, right?
Salmonella? now that is FUNNY.
Just say no to more drugs. Genectically altered anything. YUK.
I will never trust FDA after the poisons of aspartame, splenda, and those additives that gave me severe systemic fungus from chemical Triclosan has been linked to altering hormone regulation in animals.
All FDA members should not be allowed big jobs at pharma after leaving FDA.
Will they be calling the new breed of fish Salmonella?
From what I understand, they took a growth gene from another species of fish & placed it into salmon. This causes the salmon to grow faster than a normal salmon. The gene has no other effect on the fish or those eating it.
Many Americans are too lazy or in too much of a hurry to read food labels. Many others can't comprehend the info on them. Just think what would happen if they required labeling of what is allowable by the FDA to be in our food. How many rat hairs or insect parts are acceptable in ground beef would certainly turn off most of those who read & understand what labels say. At least initially. Many swear off hot dogs after learning what's actually in them but begin craving them once again. Look at the bright side, rats & insects are considered delicacies in other parts of the world.
We are asking for information on increases in endogenous allergens in the AquAdvantage Salmon in the absence of any idea of what level constitutes an additional risk for human health. We know some people are allergic to salmon, they will continue to be allergic to AquAdvantage Salmon and other fish in the diet. This technology has promise – we like efficient cars with good fuel economy, and this technology has the potential to provide fish farmers with a more efficient Atlantic salmon. The evaluation of any risks posed by this fish should be science-based, and informed by an understanding of what constitutes a change that would be of relevance to human health.