Genetically modified salmon, which grows at a superfast rate, is safe to be farmed and eaten, American scientists have declared. The move by experts advising U.S. watchdogs will clear the way for the first GM creature to be sold as food. The first GM salmon could be on American dinner tables within two to three years, and possibly on British plates soon after that, paving the way for the genetic modification of other fish and food animals into what critics are calling 'Frankenfood'. Shares in the company behind the technology leapt by 26 per cent on the London Stock Exchange on Friday, providing evidence that analysts see GM as the future of fish production. However, the science is highly controversial and consumers will have questions about the impact on human health and the environment. Critics of GM food fear the technology leads to the creation of mutant misshapen fish and could harm wild fish populations if they escape. Research on GM trout in Canada found that while they grew faster and were much bigger, a number developed misshapen heads and bloated bodies. The firm behind the GM Atlantic Salmon, Aqua Bounty, says its fish are normal but for the fact they grow up to three times more quickly. As a result, the AquAdvantage Salmon reach a market weight of around 3kg (6.6lb) in 16-18 months instead of the three years for farmed fish. In theory, they would reach around 6kg after three years, which would be double the size of most natural salmon of the same age. The growth is speeded up by the insertion of two genes, one linked to the production of growth hormone and a second to ensure growth continues even in very cold temperatures. The technology allows fish farmers to produce many more salmon at much lower cost, so boosting output and profits. The scientists behind the salmon have created safeguards to prevent any danger of them escaping and breeding with the wild population. These include ensuring all the fish involved are female and sterile. (Daily Mail)
Monday, 6 September 2010
'Frankensalmon' ruled safe to eat: Fast-growing GM fish approved by scientists
Genetically modified salmon, which grows at a superfast rate, is safe to be farmed and eaten, American scientists have declared. The move by experts advising U.S. watchdogs will clear the way for the first GM creature to be sold as food. The first GM salmon could be on American dinner tables within two to three years, and possibly on British plates soon after that, paving the way for the genetic modification of other fish and food animals into what critics are calling 'Frankenfood'. Shares in the company behind the technology leapt by 26 per cent on the London Stock Exchange on Friday, providing evidence that analysts see GM as the future of fish production. However, the science is highly controversial and consumers will have questions about the impact on human health and the environment. Critics of GM food fear the technology leads to the creation of mutant misshapen fish and could harm wild fish populations if they escape. Research on GM trout in Canada found that while they grew faster and were much bigger, a number developed misshapen heads and bloated bodies. The firm behind the GM Atlantic Salmon, Aqua Bounty, says its fish are normal but for the fact they grow up to three times more quickly. As a result, the AquAdvantage Salmon reach a market weight of around 3kg (6.6lb) in 16-18 months instead of the three years for farmed fish. In theory, they would reach around 6kg after three years, which would be double the size of most natural salmon of the same age. The growth is speeded up by the insertion of two genes, one linked to the production of growth hormone and a second to ensure growth continues even in very cold temperatures. The technology allows fish farmers to produce many more salmon at much lower cost, so boosting output and profits. The scientists behind the salmon have created safeguards to prevent any danger of them escaping and breeding with the wild population. These include ensuring all the fish involved are female and sterile. (Daily Mail)
