A new genetically modified salmon is
under consideration in the US.
Nigel Williams reports.
A genetically modified salmon is under
consideration by the US Food and
Drugs Administration (FDA) which
could sanction the first such modified
animal for human consumption. They
announced earlier this month an
analysis which found the fish safe to eat
and unlikely to harm the environment.
Atlantic salmon usually do not grow
in the winter and take three years to
mature. Aqua Bounty Technologies
of Waltham, Massachusetts, has
invested more than 14 years and
$60 million developing and seeking
approval of its AquAdvantage salmon,
which incorporates genetic material
from a Chinook salmon and a pout
fish. The company says its fish look
and taste like non-engineered North
Atlantic salmon, consume up to 25
per cent less food and reach market
weight in half the time.