Senators Push Legislation Banning “Frankenfish”

U.S. Senators Mark Begich (D-Alaska) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) have
spearheaded a bill (S. 230) that would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act to prevent the approval of genetically engineered (GE) fish.
Companion legislation (S. 229) would require labeling of any genetically
engineered fish should such fish get approved.

Noting that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering a proposal
by AquaBounty Technologies, Inc., to produce GE salmon as the first such food
hybrid safe for human consumption, the senators reintroduced legislation
they co-sponsored in the last congressional session in hopes of implementing
a quick ban of GE fish.

Calling GE fish “Frankenfish ” that is “risky, unprecedented and unnecessary,”
Begich said in a statement that such fish “threatens our wild stocks, their
habitat, our food safety, and would bring economic harm to Alaska’s wild
salmon fishermen.” Citing strong opposition to GE salmon, Begich added
that “it is completely irresponsible for the FDA to even consider this action
without evaluating the impacts on Alaska’s fisheries. The FDA has not studied
the environmental effects, let alone the economic impacts on the salmon
and seafood markets that would result from approval.” More details about GE
salmon appear in Issue 366 of this Update. See Press Release of Senator Mark
Begich, January 31, 2011.