Genetically Engineered Salmon Infiltrating Supermarkets and
Posing Danger to Your Health
In recent articles we have discussed the dangers of genetically modified organisms (or 
GMOs), as well as genetically engineered seeds manufactured by companies like agricultural giant Monsanto. The most recent article on this topic highlighted the Farmer Assurance Provision, or what most people are referring to as the “Monsanto Protection Act.” This temporary provision, placed in the spending bill HR 933 passed just a few weeks ago by Congress, basically states that “federal courts cannot halt the sale or planting of genetically modified or genetically engineered seeds, even as legal challenges are being presented and studies are being conducted as to the safety of these seeds (and resulting foods).”
Of course, we – and many other consumers – take issue with this. The initial results of studies conducted on GMOs have not been favorable, to say the least. Not only that, but the matter of unlabeled genetically modified foods poses a severe threat to your health and the health of your family members.
Now, when you think “genetically modified,” especially in terms of big-bad-wolf Monsanto, you are probably thinking of foods that come directly from seeds produced by that company. But it might not occur to you that there are far more genetic modifications going on around you – including in the fresh fish you order at your favorite seafood restaurant, or purchase in your supposedly organic-friendly supermarket.
The Problem with Frankenfish
You thought Frankenstein was scary? Try Frankenfish – the nickname given to genetically engineered (GE) salmon that are eagerly awaiting approval for commercial distribution.
According to sources, these fish, developed by the company AquaBounty Technology and named “AquaBounty’s AquAdvantage® Salmon,” are being genetically engineered to grow 
double the size and weigh twice as much as the typical Atlantic salmon. The manufacturers of these Frankenfish are combining genes from an unrelated Pacific salmon and an Arctic eelpout to create this monster fish.
Aside from the fact that it is completely unnatural and bordering on animal cruelty, there are other dangers posed to YOU, the consumer, with the development of GE salmon.
As we have mentioned in our previous articles, there have been very few studies on the health dangers of GMOs and GE animals. But the studies that have been conducted paint a very grim picture of the harm genetically modifying an organism can have on a living organism. Increased allergies and toxins, sickness, infertility, tumors, kidney failure . . . even early death have all been found to occur in animal studies. Typically humans aren’t far behind.
Second, allowing commercial distribution of GE fish sets a precedent for other animals. How long until we have genetically engineered pigs? Cattle? Sheep? Who knows the dangers that already exist from these livestock eating feed made from GM corn and soybeans; but what if the animals themselves are engineered to grow bigger and faster? It’s like opening Pandora’s Box – there will be no turning back.
Third, and this one typically doesn’t get much attention, but there is a definite environmental impact that could occur due to legal approval of GE salmon. If these Frankenfish are growing double the size in half the time, they are no doubt eating a whole lot more than their native counterparts – essentially stealing the limited amount 
of food and acting as salmon bullies in the sea cafeteria. Additionally, it is completely unknown what sorts of disease a genetically engineered fish may develop and then pass on to unsuspecting natural fish. When the natural salmon starve and die off (to the point of extinction), we’ll only be left with the GE fish monsters.
And finally, to wrap it all up, none of these Frankenfish will be labeled as so . . . because there is currently no legislation, state or federal, that requires labeling of genetically modified or genetically engineered products. So you won’t know if you’re getting genetically natural or genetically engineered salmon.
What You Can Do
Be assured, consumers are not standing idly by hoping for an FDA smack-down. In fact, members of a “movement” to stop the approval have already been promised by Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Aldi, and approximately 2,000 smaller chains that they will NOT sell GE salmon in their stores. One group appealed to the president of the hugely popular chain Safeway Inc. with the following letter:
We urgently ask you to join Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and Aldi in boycotting genetically modified monster salmon. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in the final stages of deciding whether to allow genetically modified salmon on the market. If approved, the first genetically engineered salmon – dubbed “frankenfish” – could be on all of our dinner plates as early as 2014!
Trudy Bialic from PCC Natural Markets, a chain of health food stores in Washington State, 
said: “We won’t sell genetically engineered fish because we don’t believe it is sustainable or healthy.” We need you to say the same! With your help, we can prove to the FDA that there is no demand or need for this product. Say “no” ahead of time and tell the FDA that you will not stock their science project “salmon.”
But there is still far more to be done. There are an estimated 36,500 supermarkets in the United States; so 2,000 is a far cry from complete solidarity. If you’d like to help in the effort, you can sign a petition at https://www.causes.com/actions/1744642-tell-major-us-supermarket-to....
Related Articles:
Dangers of Genetically Modified Foods
5 Genetically Modified Foods You Should Be Aware Of
