Genetically modified salmon which grows twice as fast as normal salmon is not likely to cause environmental harm, says federal health regulators.
The Associated Press reported that this new finding clears the way for an approval of scientifically engineered animals for humans to eat. In a statement from the FDA about the AquaAdvantage salmon they said that the salmons "will not have any significant impacts on the quality of the human environment of the United States."
The salmon has been under a lot of scrutiny and debate but regulators confirmed that the salmon is not likely to harm the natural salmon population or cause environmental damage.
"We are encouraged that the environmental assessment is being released and hope the government continues the science-based regulatory process," AquaBounty, who is behind the scientficially modified fish said in a statement according to the AP.
Naysayers say that they are worried that the fish could cause allergies to humans and eventually be detriminetal to the salmon population in the world while others are worried about the ethics behind genetically modifying animals.
If the FDA finally clears the salmon as safe, which is expected to occur, it would be the first animal approved for human consuption that has been genetically modified anywhere in the world. Some critics against the genetically modified fish, are starting to call it "frankenfish."
"AquaBounty has maintained that the fish is safe and that there are several safeguards against environmental problems. The fish would be bred female and sterile, though a very small percentage might still be able to breed. The company said the potential for escape is low. The FDA backed these assertions in documents released in 2010," reports the AP.
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