After testing only a small sample of genetically modified salmon, the Food and Drug Administration has approved it for consumption. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AdvisoryCommittees/CommitteesMeetingMaterials/VeterinaryMedicineAdvisoryCommittee/UCM224762.pdf
This recent announcement will make this the first genetically modified fish to enter the American food supply, and I believe that this will come with many surprises. Read more on the recent announcement here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/04/health/policy/04salmon.html?_r=1&ref=health
Genetically modified salmon grows at twice the rate of regular salmon. That?s great news, right? Actually maybe not. The problem with genetically modified salmon may be the ability to get rid of toxic mercury. In general fish have a very poor elimination system and that?s why we are often told to monitor how much fish we eat. Well, if it?s growing at twice the rate, how will it be able to eliminate all the mercury? The answer is that it probably won?t.
With a fish growing twice as fast, the mercury will be sky high. So, how can the FDA approve this? I don?t know but they have. The FDA has actually said nothing about mercury toxicity, so it is up to us to monitor this ourselves, and make sure that we truly understand what food we are buying and eating.
What can we do:
Buy Wild Alaskan salmon. It may cost a little more per pound, but the safety is worth it.
In general, eat a diet of natural, organic foods. Even after a short time of making the switch you will be able to see the difference. The difference in taste is noticeable right away, but the difference in our bodies and health will be evident, too.
Get tested for mercury levels and get detoxified if it is needed.
The Environmental Defense Fund has a very handy seafood selector on its website (http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=1521) that lists the safest and most harmful fish, sushi choices, health guides, and even printable pocket guides.
It is our responsibility to analayze the pros and cons of genetically modified salmon before consumption. This way we will be able to keep ourselves healthy and protected from adverse effects of mercury accumulation in our body.