Genetically Modified Salmon

The discovery of DNA and the advancement of knowledge about genetics has been an exciting and alarming development in science.  Chronic illnesses with no cures may be cured through research associated with genetics, but genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are threatening to overhaul the entire way our society gets its food.  GMOs are produced by inserting genes from a different species or deleting genes in a species.  Currently, there are a growing number of genetically modified agricultural crops that are resistant to certain pesticides and herbicides and thus can produce a larger cash crop with less monetary input.  These GMO crops are patented and drive smaller farmers out of the market.   

Now, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, genetically altered salmon could be sold in the United States in two years.  These fish are the same as farmed Atlantic salmon, except the genetic modification that allows them to grow twice as fast as farmed fish due to growth hormones.  It is awaiting approval from the Food and Drug Administration, and if approved, it will be the genetically modified animal to be sold for food in the United States.  It is uncertain whether the genetically modified salmon would be labeled as such in super markets. 

Environmentalists oppose the genetically modified salmon and call it a “Frankenfish”.  They say it may cause more allergies and are concerned about flawed safety studies, as well as a reduction in nutritional value.   Some farmers and the food industry support the genetically modified salmon and say it will allow more Americans to get proper nutrition because it will lower the price of salmon.  Personally, I believe the genetically modified salmon needs much more research before it is introduced to the market.  It needs to be studied by scientists that are not backed by the food industry.  There need to be multiple independent long-term studies, and even if there are, the possibility of a reduction in the nutritional quality of the fish leads me to disagree with the whole idea because many farmers will probably want to raise this fish because of the monetary aspect: they will make more money selling it and have to spend less money raising the fish.  The Food and Drug Administration needs to do its job and protect the citizens and small business owners of the United States instead of playing in to corporate interests.  

-Janet Pasko