FDA Approves GM Salmon

The Roslin Institute comments on FDA's decision to approve GM Salmon

December 2015

Aquaculture is the fastest growing livestock sector in the world and it is making an important contribution to the pressing concern of food security.

AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. have developed a hybrid salmon that includes a gene from the Chinook salmon, which provides the fish with the potential to grow to market size in two years rather than three without affecting its ultimate size or other qualities. However, these fish have not reached the market as they have been waiting for U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval since 1993.

The announcement today from the FDA approving the AquAdvantage Salmon is an important milestone in demonstrating the value of this biotechnology. The robust and public process of evaluation that has led to today's announcement validates the evidence-based approach that is required for these applications. Society now has both genetically engineered plant and animal products to contribute to the world's food security needs.

For media enquiries, please contact: