Just when it seemed imminent that we would soon be seeing genetically modified salmon on the freezer shelves, scientists with the FDA have decided to hold off until they get some additional questions answered. AquaBounty Technologies has literally “created” a fish to serve the demands of the American tastes, a fish, they say is just as safe as conventional salmon but grows twice as fast.
The company takes a gene that controls growth from the Pacific Chinook salmon and insert it into the eggs of a fertilized Atlantic salmon, also adding a gene from the ocean Pout (another fish). The end result: a genetically modified Atlantic salmon that grows bigger, faster.
Nutritionally, it’s assumed the FrankenFish would have similar benefits of the Atlantic Salmon, being rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and a good source of protein. The new fish would be bred on fish farms and would be sterile, eliminating the chances of them interbreeding or breeding with other populations, potentially escaping the farms.
According to this piece from Medical News Today, the FDA treats genetically modified food as a drug, in regards to approval. This “drug”, they say, needs more testing. Other genetically modified foods previously approved by the FDA include corn, cotton, soybeans, quinoa, Canola, rice, bananas, and squash.
The Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee hasn’t yet voted on the fish but would like some more evidence on its safety. Of particular concern is whether the fish may cause some allergic reactions. There’s no doubt the issue will eventually be placed to vote as some Americans bravely line up with plates in hand.
Salmon is a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids, known for having multiple health benefits. Other sources include similar fatty fish as well as plants like flax, walnuts, and spinach. Here’s an article from U.S. News and World Report with some additional Omega 3 ideas.
When you don’t feel like you’re getting enough of these sources in your diet, an Omega 3 supplement is also a solution worth looking into. Here at ExtremeBody Workout, we carry Core Omega 3, a superior quality supplement without having to eat lab created fish!
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