What the *#$^ is the deal with genetically-modified fish?
In this occasional feature the National Post looks at an issue in the news. In this instalment, genetically modified fish. This month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration decides if American markets are ready for fish that has been genetically engineered with growth hormones to make them grow twice as fast. If approved – and it looks likely – the fish will be the first genetically engineered animal ever sold for human consumption. But will genetically engineered fish make it upstream to Canada? Zoe McKnight investigates. Q. What’s going on? A. For 10 years, AquaBounty Inc., an American company, has sought FDA approval to sell its bioengineered Atlantic salmon eggs to fish farmers. The FDA will rule on the validity of the claim, the environmental impact of genetically engineered fish, and human health risks. The company would sell genetically engineered eggs only – not the mature fish – and the eggs would be labeled as such. But the FDA will also decide whether the fish sold for human
