The FDA’s recent approval of transgenic (genetically engineered) salmon gave biotech firm, AquaBounty the go ahead to sell its genetically engineered Atlantic salmon. This decision set a precedent as the first genetically altered animal product approved for human food in the United States. Approval opens the door for other transgenic food products. Transgenic foods are a hotly debated topic. The approval met with a mix of elation from proponents and unbridled fury from some environmental and consumer advocacy groups.
Since this approval is significant, a careful examination of all facts and information helps to choose which side of the debate to back. Knowledge of all sides of the issue are essential for a thorough understanding. AquaBounty AquaBounty, the first company approved to sell transgenic salmon is a biotech firm headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. The company mixes genetics with salmon aquaculture to create a product known as Aqua Advantage AquaBounty came up with the prototype for its genetically modified salmon 25 years ago and pursued FDA approval since 1996.
Aqua Advantage is Atlantic salmon injected with a growth hormone from the Pacific Chinook salmon. The normal growth cycle of the Atlantic salmon goes into a dormant state during the winter months. But, by injecting a promoter gene from the ocean pout fish, an antifreeze effect occurs. In essence, the promoter gene changes the salmon growth cycle from seasonal to continuous. Genetic modification is the altering of the genes of one organism by inserting the genes of another organism. In the case of AquAdvantage, modification involves injecting new genes in fertilized Atlantic salmon eggs.
AquaBounty Aquaculture AquaBounty uses a unique approach to salmon farming which is less environmentally invasive than the tradition fish farming model. It uses a recirculating water filtering system which removes all oxygenation, CO2, and solids, then reuses the water in the fish tanks. This method uses considerably less water than is normally required in farmed seafood operations. Transgenic salmon has a faster growth period. As a result, they need less food to grow to market size. The environmental impact is less because of diminished wild prey fish demand.
Feed can represent between 40 to 60% of all aquaculture production costs. Feed costs for transgenic salmon is 25% lower than its non-GE counterpart. The resulting lower costs can then be passed on to the consumer in cost per pound savings. Advantages of Aqua Advantage Genetically engineered salmon offers several benefits over nonGE salmon.
1. GE fish are larger. They grows up to 25% larger than non-GE Atlantic salmon. 2. Due to its antifreeze promoter gene, it has a higher tolerance for the cold. 3. AquAdvantage are all sterile and female. This decreases chance of accidental mating with non-GE fish in the wild. . Due to a longer growth period, the fish has enhanced metabolism which allows it to grow twice as large as non-GE salmon in half the time. Genetically engineered salmon offers a more reliable business model than wild salmon fishing/fisheries. Proponents warn the current practice of using wild-caught salmon for food is nonsustainable. Populations are finite and oceans are constantly over-fished. GE fish provides a safe, sustainable alternative. Criticisms A big criticism against the approval of AquAdvantage is the lack of long-term studies on the effects of transgenic foods on humans and the environment.
Environmental and consumer groups believe the agency’s failure to look at the long-term impact of the salmon’s introduction into the food market is irresponsible. Additionally, there is concern over the lack of a comprehensive product analysis. In 2009, the American Academy of Environmental Health called for a ban on all genetically modified food products. Based on animal study results, they concluded the products posed several possible risks to humans. !. Allergic and immune system risk. 2. Reproductive function risks. 3. Risk of toxic reactions. 4. Risk of metabolism issues. 5. Possible genetic issues.
Safety Concerns. Environmental groups say there is no such thing as an “escape proof” enclosure. If a transgenic fish escapes into the ocean, it creates risks to other species and the environment. Genetically engineered fish are nearly two-thirds larger than wild salmon and can out compete them for food. Since it is a larger fish, it could also disrupt the normal feeding patterns of other species by going after larger prey fish. There is a link between genetically modified foods and toxic and allergic reactions in lab animals.
There have also been cases of organ damage after prolonged ingestion of transgenic substances. The long terms effects on humans following continued ingestion of transgenic substances isn’t known. Transgenic salmon has high levels of IGG-1. Studies by the National Cancer Institute, link IGF-1 to increased risks for certain types of cancer. Accidental Breeding Concerns. Although AquaBounty states all of its fish are sterile, advocacy groups counter the sterilization process isn’t 100% effective. Up to 1% of the fish remain fertile. Escaped females could pass on their genes to future generations of Atlantic salmon.
The result may decrease the biological fitness of native wild salmon. FDA’s Approval Process The FDA approved AquAdvantage because it met all the mandates of the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act. The agency compared GE salmon to its non-GE counterpart and fount it nutritionally identical and safe to eat. It concluded inserting foreign DNA didn’t harm the fish, and the sponsors claims of faster growth were correct.
FDA approval has strict territorial conditions. 1. None of the company’s AquAdvantage facilities are within the boundaries of the United States. 2. Transgenic can only be grown at two land-based locations; Canada for breeding and Panama for raising the fish. Based on the safety procedures in use by AquaBounty, the FDA concluded the fish poses no environmental threat. Both locations use multiple physical barriers to keep eggs and fish from escaping from containment units. These include metal screened tank bottoms, pipes, and incubator trays. All tanks have nets, cover, jump fences, and screens for over-flow units. Closed Septic systems have added screening to stop any small fish or eggs from slipping through the plumbing.
All fish raised in Panama are sterile females In the unlikely event of escape, they aren’t able to breed and reproduce with native fish. The FDA examined possible immediate or short-term effects from ingesting growth hormones, but found no threat. There is concern over AquaBounty’s efforts thus far to address allergen issues. The agency found the steps taken were inadequate and ordered extra examinations done by AquaBounty. Labels Informative labeling is only required by the FDA if a product is “materially different” from its natural counterpart.
Material differences include differences in nutritional profiles, functions or features. Genetic modification doesn’t qualify as a material difference according to the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act. Thus, since GE fish aren’t materially different from conventional salmon, labeling is not mandatory. Consumer groups vehemently object to the lack of mandatory labeling. They say this takes away the consumer’s ability to make an informed purchase. As it stands, there is no way of knowing whether they are buying GE or non-GE fish. The FDA offers the company an option to voluntarily supplying labeling information.
The only stipulation is for no false claims are in the information. Issues Not Examined by the FDA Several issues were beyond the purview of the Food and Drug Administration and not addressed during the approval process. 1. Overall effect on market prices 2. Consumption levels 3. Production costs 4. Public Health issues Retail Advocacy Possibly motivated by consumer and environmental concerns over GE fish, several large grocery retailers have banned sales of AquAdvantage in their stores. They include Kroger Co, Aldis, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and the world’s second largest retailer, Costco.
Target, which already has a non-farmed fish police in place, announced it won’t carry AquAdvantage. So far over 60 retail chains have refused to sock the product. The only large grocery retailers who have yet to sign off are Walmart and Publix. The seafood restaurant chain, Red Lobster has also announced it won’t offer in its restaurants. AquAdvantage won’t appear on store shelves for another two years. AquaBounty needs at least that much time to build sufficient stock. Meanwhile, challenges to both the ruling and the lack of mandatory labeling requirements are sure to continue.