As far as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is concerned, the GE (genetically engineered) salmon is just as good as a non-engineered salmon.
Based on the press release by the FDA on Nov 19, the health agency that assesses a product's effectiveness and safety has asserted that the GE salmon developed by AquaAdvantage is okay to eat by both humans and animals, hence its approval. The FDA mentions that the product went through a rigorous evaluation based on a number of criteria. They also relied on peer-reviewed information, which includes the release of public documents for comments, to help them come up with the decision.
AquaAdvantage has already cited the need to grow the type of fish faster to come up with the GE type. FDA seconded that in saying that the company was honest in its purpose and that it doesn't pose a threat to the environment since the fish, which is grown and harvested in Canada and Panama, is secured in the farm, thereby reducing the chances of them escaping into the wild.
Aside from completely safe, the FDA said that the salmon is effective to eat, which means it can have the same nutrition as a regular salmon. Salmon is considered to be a great source of protein and omega-3, a kind of fatty acid that promotes better cardiovascular health as it increases good cholesterol. Omega 3 is also being linked by some studies to prevention or management of certain types of cancer.
When it comes to labeling, FDA says that in hindsight, AquaAdvantage is not obliged to indicate that it's genetically engineered in the label since there's no regulation for that. However, should it decide to add one, the company should ensure that it's truthful or not misleading, per FDA guidelines.
The FDA may also request the company to add another information in the label if the product, whether it's GE or not, is substantially different from its "conventional counterparts."
