Could GM Salmon be the first Animal Commercialized for Human Consumption?</

Apr 24, 2013

GM Salmon Expected to Receive U.S. FDA Approval

A company that has developed genetically engineered salmon – AquaBounty Technology Inc. is expecting regulatory approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this year.

The FDA said that the public comment period will close on Friday [April 26th], once the comments are in - it is expected to take 30 to 60 days to review the comments. It could take another 120 days upon review for the FDA to release its decision to either approve or deny the application.

The salmon eggs are engineered to grow fish to market size in half the time of conventional salmon. If approved, GM salmon will be the first animal commercialized for human consumption. Some consumer advocacy groups say that if the application is approved it could destroy the natural salmon population and could pose health risks to humans who eat it.

The approval not only has implications for the U.S., but has a Canadian twist as well. One of the company’s facilities is located in Bay Fortune, P.E.I. Groups who are opposed to the fast-growing salmon have met with P.E.I. politicians urging them to write the FDA to study the impacts of allowing these fish to be farmed.

Video: Genetics vs Genomics in Swine - Dr. Max Rothschild

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Max Rothschild, Distinguished Professor at Iowa State University, explains how genetics and genomics have transformed swine production. He explores genomic selection, key gene discoveries, and the role of gene editing in improving disease resistance and productivity. Practical insights on litter size, meat quality, and industry adoption are also discussed. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Genetic improvement in swine production accelerated significantly once molecular tools enabled identification of DNA level variation influencing growth, reproduction, and meat quality across commercial populations."

Meet the guest: Dr. Max Rothschild / max-f-rothschild-b3800312 earned his PhD in Animal Breeding from Cornell University and has spent over four decades at Iowa State University advancing swine genetics and genomics. His research focuses on genetic improvement, disease resistance, and molecular tools for swine production. A leader in pig genome research, his work has shaped modern breeding strategies.