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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently considering approval of a type of genetically engineered (GE) farmed Atlantic salmon which would be the first ever GE animal approved for human consumption.
The FDA is also considering whether or not to require labeling should it be approved for sale domestically.
The California State Grange, which is supporting the bill, believes that not enough is currently known about the potential impacts of GE salmon to conclude that it is safe for the environment in general or wild fish populations specifically.
“Assembly member Huffman's bill is important for all Californians, not just seafood consumers,” explained Dr. George Leonard, director of Ocean Conservancy's aquaculture program. “While the FDA has yet to make a final decision on GE salmon, California and Assembly member Huffman are making it clear that mandatory labeling is needed to provide families with the information they want and need when buying food. Once again, California is leading the nation in assisting consumers make informed decisions in the marketplace.”
California Grangers agreed with this assessment when they resolved to oppose marketing GE salmon without sufficient testing and labeling last October.
“Consumers have the right to determine the suitability of the food they feed their families,” commented Bob McFarland, president of the California State Grange. “I would be suspicious of any food producer that would want to prevent us from knowing the nature and origin of their products.”
In addition, the Grange also has policy on scientific studies and testing on all GE/GMO food products. “Consumer safety should never be a hit-or-miss proposition,” said McFarland.
The proposal currently pending before the FDA has generated significant concern and opposition. Since FDA held pubic hearings on the issue in September, 29 members of the House of Representatives and 12 Senators have written urging a rejection of the proposal. This came on top of more than 368,300 public comments in opposition as well as a strong public rebuke from 14 elected officials in California, led by Huffman.
“At the end of the day, this issue is larger than salmon - it is about the future of fish. If and how to proceed with GE salmon should be part of a broader national debate about sustainable seafood and how to proactively plan for the future we desire,” said Leonard. “Approval of GE salmon would set a dangerous precedent. It could open the floodgates to approval of other GE fish and fundamentally alter the nature of our seafood supply.”
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