Genetically Modified Salmon Set to Hit the Market in Canada

Genetically-modified salmon will soon be on Canada’s supermarket shelves. After four years of testing, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have approved AquaBounty Technologies’ genetically modified salmon for retail sale in Canada. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the same technology six months ago, Canada’s decision came soon after.

Canada’s regulators stated that genetically modified ingredients have been consumed by Canadians for decades. In fact, over 70 per cent of the food sold in Canada contains ingredients that have been genetically engineered in some way.

Until now, however, the technology has only influenced how we grow crops, not animals. The AquaAdvantage salmon is the world’s first approved genetically modified animal.

The intellectual property to create the salmon was partially developed in Canada but championed by the American company AquaBounty. The AquaAdvantage salmon became possible when the genes from a Chinook salmon were crossed with an Atlantic salmon and an eel.

The AquaAdvantage salmon grows full size in almost half the time it takes farmed salmon to grow. The rapid development of the fish means that input costs will be halved and productivity increases dramatically. Canada is one of the world largest exporters of salmon.

Many consumers on both sides of the border want mandatory labeling of genetically modified content. Both countries food industry’s less than stellar track record on long-term risk foresight; trans fats, sodium, sugar - these and other ingredients have been added without consumers’ consent and have become menaces to our health. Concerned consumers are concerned about genetically engineered ingredients since no one has made a clear argument for the benefits the technology brings to our tables. The business case for genetically engineered crops is compelling, but their benefits for consumers remain unclear.

Proponents of GMO argue that the technology can make salmon and other GMO products more affordable, not taking into consideration distribution costs.

From an industry perspective, however, the arrival of genetically modified salmon may actually be more challenging. Without any clear labeling, the salmon may generate market confusion and that won’t help sustain the salmon industry as a whole. Traditionally, fished salmon has been worth more in the eyes of many consumers and the industry may miss out on the chance to capitalize on market differentiation.

As well, the arrival of genetically-modified salmon may actually add fuel to the fire for environmental groups and consumers who are uncomfortable with anything deemed unnatural. However, many multinational corporations like Campbell’s and General Mills in Canada and the United States have moved to labeling that includes information on genetic modifications in their products. And Vermont legislation that requires labeling on all products containing genetically-modified ingredients comes into effect summer 2016.

A recent Canadian survey suggests that while most Canadians are willing to purchase a product labeled as genetically modified, 88 per cent of consumers believe that genetically-modified labeling should be mandatory. South of the US/Canada border, polls indicate that more than 90 percent of Americans want GMO foods to be labeled.

And as genetically modified salmon arrives in our supermarkets, it is time that our labeling regulations give consumers a chance to have the final word on the technology.

Within New York State, consumer advocates were in Albany this past week, urging passage of a bill to require labeling of genetically modified foods before the NYS legislative session ends.

Advocates have maintained that the bill has the support of a majority in the Assembly and is sponsored by almost half of the senators.

The US food industry has opposed GMO labeling, saying the food is perfectly safe and labeling would only raise costs and confuse consumers.

Connecticut and Maine have passed GMO labeling laws, but they only go into effect when neighboring states pass similar laws. The pivotal state in the push for labeling laws is Vermont.

The New York bill, like the law in Vermont, would allow producers and retailers to use “GMO” or “genetically engineered” on packaging to meet the labeling requirements.

The NYS current legislative session comes to an end on June 16. The NYS legislation, A.617/S.485, is online at nysenate.gov.