Last week Federal regulators approved a genetically engineered salmon as fit for consumption. This is the first genetically altered animal to be cleared for American Supermarkets and dinner plates.

This decision has been discussed and debated for over five years.  It was first proposed in the 1990’s.  The approval has been opposed by environmental and consumer groups because of the argument that the safety studies are inadequate.  The Center for Food Safety and other organizations say they plan to file a law suit  to stop the decision from being implemented.

The Food and Drug Administration decision as currently written will not  differentiate between salmon genetically altered and those not altered. This is consistent with FDA policy  regarding genetically engineered crops.

Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director of  Food and Water Watch released a statement: This unfortunate historic decision disregards the vast majority of consumers, many independent scientists, numerous members of Congress, and salmon growers around the world who have voiced strong opposition.   See NYTimes,   “Genetically Engineered Salmon….” Friday, November 20, 2015.