Isabelle Z. – When genetically modified salmon became the very first GMO animal to get the go-ahead from the FDA for sale in the U.S., the reception was generally chilly, with a majority of consumers unwilling to take a chance eating something that has absolutely no established safety record.
Now Canada is getting in on the act, with health authorities in that country recently approving the sale of the controversial GMO fish there. While the FDA has now instituted a ban on the import of GM salmon until specific labeling guidelines can be put in place, Canada will have no such requirement, which means it could end up being the first country where this fish is sold.
Governments might be on board, but consumers and retailers are largely shunning what many are terming “frankenfish.” An impressive number of food retailers – nearly 80 so far and counting – have vowed not to sell GMO salmon in their stores.
11,000 stores and counting refuse to sell GMO salmon
For example, Albertsons Companies, which owns Albertsons, ACME, Shaw’s, Vons and Safeway, has announced that its stores will not sell it. Senior Vice President Jonathan Mayes said: “Albertsons Companies and its family of stores, have no plans to carry GE salmon. The seafood products we offer will continue to be selected consistent with our Responsible Seafood Policy and our partnership with FishWise.”