Bill Would Require Labels on All Genetically Engineered Salmon  

Dissatisfied with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) current review of the first-ever proposed commercialization of genetically engineered (GE) salmon, today California State Assemblymember Jared Huffman introduced an Assembly Bill (AB 88) which would require that all GE salmon sold in California contain clear and prominent labeling.  The Center for Food Safety (CFS), a co-sponsor of the bill, applauds Assemblymember Huffman for protecting the public’s right to know how their food is produced by drafting this important piece of food safety legislation.

“The federal agency charged with protecting our food supply is failing us yet again,” said Rebecca Spector, West Coast Director of the Center for Food Safety. “Consumers have the right to know that the food they consume and feed their families is safe.  Until FDA does an adequate environmental and human health review of genetically engineered salmon, it is up to individual states to protect consumers and their families.  The Assemblymember’s proposed bill will protect Californians through labeling, which restores consumer confidence and choice.”

Public opinion clearly and consistently calls for food labeling.  Recent polls indicate that 95% of the public want labeling of genetically-modified foods, and that nearly 50% of the public would not eat seafood that has been genetically engineered.

The Center for Food Safety recently called on the FDA to recognize the immense public outcry for mandatory labeling of untested, unapproved transgenic salmon. CFS led a broad coalition of consumer, environmental, religious and animal welfare groups, along with commercial and recreational fisheries associations and food retailers, grocers and chefs in demanding the FDA deny approval of the long-shelved AquaBounty transgenic salmon and require mandatory labeling of the fish is approved despite intense opposition. If approved the transgenic salmon would be the first genetically engineered animal intended for human consumption.

“Consumers sent a clear message to FDA that they do not want to eat genetically engineered salmon and should FDA decide to move forward despite overwhelming opposition it must be labeled,” said Andrew Kimbrell, Executive Director for the Center for Food Safety. November 22nd marked the end of a two month public comment period on the labeling of GE salmon.  Nearly 400,000 public comments have been sent to FDA, demanding the agency reject this application and require mandatory labeling of this transgenic salmon should it decide to approve it.