The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it has approved AquAdvantage salmon, an Atlantic salmon genetically engineered (GE) by AquaBounty Technologies to reach market size more quickly than non-GE farm-raised Atlantic salmon. This approval is the first issued by the FDA for a genetically engineered animal intended for food.
“The FDA has thoroughly analyzed and evaluated the data and information submitted by AquaBounty Technologies regarding AquAdvantage salmon and determined that they have met the regulatory requirements for approval, including that food from the fish is safe to eat,” says Bernadette Dunham, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.
The agency also issued two guidances for manufacturers who wish to voluntarily label their products as containing ingredients from GE or non-GE sources. The first is a draft guidance on labeling foods derived from Atlantic salmon, and the second is a final guidance on foods derived from GE plants.
The agency will accept comment on the draft guidance on labeling regarding Atlantic salmon for 60 days, beginning on Nov. 23.
