FDA Considers Genetically Modified Salmon

There are definitely some very valid points on both sides of the fence on the issue of genetically modified animals for consumption. On one hand, these "frankenfoods" could help conserve our depleting resources. On the other hand, there is long-term potential for changing the entire ecosystem. Since this is so new, there are no long-term studies on the effects on humans from the consumption.

Genetically modified salmon is just the beginning. If approved, it opens the door to many other food source alternatives and possible consequences for our delicately balanced ecosystem.

The FDA Hearings On Genetically Modified Salmon

Yesterday was the start of a two-day hearing on the safety of these genetically modified salmon. During the hearing yesterday, scientists and others presented both pros and cons to the FDA. As of yesterday, the FDA felt that the scientific data provided were too lacking to come to any conclusion. The FDA declined to set any specific time frame for coming to a final decision.

If the FDA approves this genetically engineered salmon, it opens the door for many other genetically engineered animals for consumption. There are plenty of genetically modified crops and plants, but no genetically modified animals approved for consumption by the FDA.

"Frankenfoods" Have Actually Been Around For Decades

The news and the FDA are saying that this GE salmon is the first animal to be up for debate in the FDA. However, I did an article not too long ago about a breed of animal called the Beefalo. This was back in May, so obviously the use of GE animals for human consumption is not a brand new issue.

As consumers, we have been eating GE foods for decades. Crops have been GE for a number of reasons. One is to become bug- and viral-resistant. Another is to produce larger crops. Another reason for GE crops is the ability to grow whatever crop it is in an area not typically sustainable for crops to grow.

While all these are very good reasons, particularly the last one, there are other important facts to consider. Once out in the world, these GE foods will and do end up mixing with regular crops, creating yet another breed of whatever that crop, or in this case, animal, is. The reason we as consumers have not heard a lot about GE foods is because the FDA decided that no labeling was needed for genetically engineered plants we consume.

This sets a scary precedent when comparing it to the genetically engineered animal for consumption. If the FDA takes the same stance with GE animals for consumption, consumers will not have the option to choose for themselves whether or not they would eat these GE products and take the chance on possible allergens and reactions. Without labeling, it would be near impossible to track the safety of these foods because it will be unknown that the food they consumed had been genetically engineered.

A Short List of "Frankenfoods" We Already Consume

Some products were not GE themselves, but have GE ingredients and additives. Some examples of foods we consume already that have been genetically engineered that we may not even aware of can be seen as follows:

Canola-80 percent of crops*
Papaya-75 percent of crops**
Soybeans
Cotton
Wheat

In Conclusion-The Good, The Bad and The Unknown

There are definitely numerous benefits to genetically engineered foods. Think of the millions of starving people; could these foods help feed that population? Quite possibly, these GE foods can help. There are endless possibilities from creating larger crops (when speaking of plants), virus resistance, added nutrients and more.

There appear to be just as many cons, though. When introducing these GE foods, there is a higher chance of allergens. These GE foods can intermingle with "normal" crops or plants and grow yet a whole new species. No matter how much effort is put into keeping these GE crops and plants away from others, there will inevitably be a cross. There is no way to tell what this will do to our ecosystem in the end.

http://thechronicleherald.ca/World/1203040.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canola#Genetic_modification*
http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/grocery_shopping/fruit_vegetables/14.genetically_modified_papayas_virus_resistance.html**