AquaBounty of Massachusetts has submitted an application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval to market their genetically modified “AquAdvantage”, in the United States. AquaBounty said the genetically altered fish is identical to the Atlantic salmon with the exception of its speedy growth.
AquAdvantage is an Atlantic salmon modified with genes from an eel-like fish, the Ocean Pout, which grows to be about 28 inches and about 12lbs on average. AquAdvantage also contains growth hormones from a Chinook salmon. The genetic engineering enables the salmon to grow twice as fast as a regular Atlantic salmon and to market size, about seven pounds, in 18 months.
The company initially introduced this project to the FDA in 1995. Ronald Stotish, AquaBounty’s Chief Executive said, “We’ve been studying this fish for more than 10 years,” we studied it “In characteristics, physiology, behavior, this is an Atlantic salmon. It looks like an Atlantic salmon. It tastes like an Atlantic salmon.”
The FDA is assessing AquAdvantage as if it was a drug. This provides confidentiality of their research, since the agency meets behind closed doors when new drugs are introduced. The Food and Drug Administration is still deliberating but is expected to present findings from the study on September 19 to a team of expert scientists on their decision.
Biotechnology experts are predicting that the AquAdvantage will be the first genetically engineered meat to make to the dinner tables across America. Soon Americans can eat a genetically modified meal, complete with meat and genetically modified vegetables which are already on the market.