Genetically Engineered Salmon is coming to our kitchen ?

Over the past few years, genetically engineered (GE) salmon has been waiting for certification from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to go to market.

GE salmon grows two to three times faster than natural salmon under the same condition due to their high level of growth hormone. Normally salmons produce growth hormone only during summer period but inserting gene which produces growth hormone and gene which stimulates the first gene into fertilized egg enabled the fish to produce growth hormone year around, resulting amazingly fast growth.

This has been in the spotlight as it may help cutting cost for fish farmers and feeding the growing population however there are several considerable issues on bringing GE salmon to market.
first issue is that GE salmon may decrease the price of salmon on market and some farmers working for salmon industry could lose their jobs.
Another issue, which always arises from genetically modified food, is human health. Studies showed that farmed salmon contains more dioxin and other cancer-causing contaminants that natural salmon.
Effect on the environment and wild fish is also concerned problem. If GE salmons escape into sea they could contaminate original species of salmon and other creature in the water.

therefore it is believed that more experience is needed before release of GE salmon to market however it is depending on the decision FDA is making,,,,.

Posted by Kyoko Sato (41142640)

Primary resource
Union of concerned Scientists. 2001. 'Genetically engineered salmon' Accessed 29 May
.

Secondary resource
Center for Food Safety. 2003. 'Genetically Engineered fish' Accessed as 30 May .