Genetically Modified Salmon

FDA has approved GM Salmon AquAdvantage^® for Consumption in the USA - Real-time PCR for the Detection of GM Salmon established

Since May 2016, genetically modified salmon from the company AquaBounty, trade name AquAdvantage^®, has been approved in Canada. The GM salmon may be sold without special labeling on the packaging. In August 2017, AquaBounty announced they had sold 4.5 tons of GM salmon.

In the USA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the consumption and sale of the GM salmon in November 2015, but in early 2016 the US Congress decided that the GM salmon may not be sold until the FDA has established labeling requirements. The introduction to the US market is planned for 2019.

Propagation and rearing of the GM salmon is only allowed in special fish farms with closed containers without access to open water. Currently, there are only two certified fish farms in Canada and Panama, according to the FDA. From there salmon products can be exported to the USA.

AquaAdvantage^® salmon is not approved in the EU. Therefore, placing on the EU market is not allowed.

Eurofins GeneScan, the competence center for GMO testing of the Eurofins Group, has established the detection of GM salmon by using a qualitative Real-time PCR kit.

Do you have questions concerning the detection of GM salmon? Please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone.

Relevant Documents

• Press Release FDA
• FDA AquAdvantage^® Salmon Approval Letter
• AquAdvantage^® Salmon Salmon Fact Sheet (FDA)
• Draft Guidance Voluntary Labeling AquAdvantage^® (FDA)
• Nature - scientific article: First genetically engineered salmon sold in Canada