Genetically Engineered Salmon Opposed
American and Japanese organizations say it could pose risks to consumers and the environment.
Two major Japanese and American consumer groups have joined together to oppose the sale of genetically engineered salmon.
The U.S. Center for Food Safety and the Seikatsu Club Consumers’ Co-operative Union say GE salmon, which was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, could pose risks to consumers and the environment.
The approval of AquaBounty Technologies’ GE salmon has been opposed by a number of American consumer and environmental groups who say the fish could harm wild salmon populations.
“FDA’s decision to approve this GE salmon was irresponsible and unlawful, and it will have global repercussions,” said George Kimbrell, senior attorney at the Center for Food Safety, in a press release. “We will work to stop its expansion in order to preserve our native fisheries and protect the markets so many depend on around the world.”
Koichi Kato, president of the Seikatsu Club Consumers’ Co-operative Union, said his organization doesn’t want the Japanese government to approve the GE salmon.
Japan imported nearly 200 billion yen – approximately $2 billion – worth of salmon and trout in 2014, according to the press release.
“The GE salmon is sure to get a cold reception,” said Kato.
On the other hand, restaurants and most processed foods are exempted from the Japanese GE food labeling law, so people might eat GE salmon with knowing it, he added.
