Comment by April 26
Tell President Obama and the U.S. FDA that you strongly oppose the approval of genetically-engineered salmon to protect the environment, wild salmon, consumer health, and the long-term integrity of our food supply.
AquaBounty's genetically engineered (GE) salmon would be the first genetically modified organism to be intended for human consumption. Yet it has failed to meet the most basic requirements of peer-reviewed scientific standards. Unfortunately, the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has refused to require rigorous independent scientific testing to adequately protect the economic and cultural integrity of West Coast fishing communities, wild salmon stocks, and the health of consumers.
GE salmon pose serious risks to our marine environment and wild populations of salmon. Each year millions of farmed salmon escape, out-competing wild populations for resources and straining ecosystems. Escaped GE salmon can also introduce disease to the marine environment and pose the threat of genetic pollution. The National Academy of Sciences notes that a release of just sixty GE salmon into a wild population of 60,000 would lead to the extinction of the wild population in less than 40 fish generations. Any approval of GE salmon would represent a serious threat to the survival of native salmon populations, many of which have already suffered severe declines related to aquaculture and other man-made impacts.
Consumers must have the right to know what's in their food and how it's produced. Under current U.S. law, labeling GE salmon is not required, therefore leaving consumers to guess what they are eating. At the same time, government scientists have questioned the biosafety protocols provided by AquaBounty and serious questions remain about the safety of GE animals regarding their impact on human health and the environment.
Go to the Federal Government’s website to submit your comments electronically at http://www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=FDA-2011-N-0899-0001. For the required field “Organization Name,” please enter “Citizen.” Include the following docket number in your mailed comment: FDA-2011-N-0899. Comments must be received by the U.S. FDA no later than February 25, 2013.t
Division of Dockets Management (HFA- 305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061
Rockville, MD 20852
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