Genetically-modified (GM) salmon should be labeled. An article ran about labeling GM salmon on Sept. 21, 2010. AquaBounty combined a growth hormone from a Chinook salmon and a gene from an ocean pout, which keeps the growth hormone working, to modify Atlantic salmon to grow all-year round to twice their normal size.
AquaBounty, the company that makes the GM salmon, feels that since the FDA supports its claim that GM salmon are the same as the natural salmon, no additional labeling should be needed. Whereas a senior scientist at Consumers Union believes the fish are different and should be labeled differently.
The real debate seems to be how consumers feel about GM animals. GM plants are already being sold in many foods. Also, it is interesting that the article shows the debate of whether the GM salmon should be labeled, and not if it should be sold, which is what the FDA is trying to decide.
Since labeling is the topic, I will not go into whether GM animals are good or bad from a health perspective and right or wrong morally. Provided the GM salmon is sold, it seems like a wise step to label the salmon as genetically modified.
If there are not enough customers buying the fish, then at least the consumers have decided that they do not want it. If there is a consumer demand for it and no health problems arise, then customers have an extra choice of how they want their salmon grown.
For customers to choose, GM salmon must be labeled. Plus, few people want to eat unknown food. Genetically-modified salmon should be labeled if it is sold.
Jay Colson
Prince George
