The Alaska congressional delegation is condemning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for approving genetically engineered salmon for consumption.
In a release Thursday, the FDA stated that by approving the AquAdvantage Salmon that will be raised only in land-based, contained hatcheries in Canada and Panama, the salmon reaches market size more quickly than non-GE, farm-raised Atlantic salmon.
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski said in a joint-congressional release that she is “livid” over the announcement, going on to say, “I have introduced both a bill and provision in the appropriations process to mandate the labeling of Frankenfish, and it is more imperative than ever, after this potentially disastrous decision, to make sure they become law.”
U.S. Representative Don Young called the decision ‘harebrained’ and agreed with U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan that the genetically engineered fish need to at least be labeled.
The FDA release states that the provisions regulating the animals are new because the modification used to create quicker growth meets the definition of a drug.
In addition to approving AquaBounty Technologies’ application for GE salmon, the FDA provided manufacturers with draft guidance for voluntary labeling of GE or non-GE products.
Beginning Monday, November 23, public comments will be taken by the FDA on whether or not GE salmon should be labeled.