Environmental advocates on Thursday filed a lawsuit against federal health regulators in the United States, challenging the government's approval of a type of genetically-engineered salmon which will be farmed for human consumption.
The lawsuit filed by Food and Water Watch, the Center for Food Safety, Friends of the Earth and other organizations seeks to overturn the Food and Drug Administration's November approval of a modified salmon that can grow twice as fast as its counterparts in the wild.
It also seeks to block the agency's authority over a range of biotech animals currently under development, while accusing the FDA of overstepping its jurisdiction in the approval.
The genetically-modified salmon, which was developed by Intrexon Corp.-unit AquaBounty Technologies Inc., was the first engineered animal approved for human consumption.
Advocates said the agency's regulation of such technology goes beyond the scope of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, which regulates genetic alterations under provisions that cover animal drugs.
Senior Attorney George Kimbrell, representative of CFS, said congress never intended the act to cover man-made and genetically-modified animals.
A spokesperson from the FDA, however, said the agency does not comment on pending litigation.
Meanwhile, AquaBounty is confident that the FDA's approval will stand. The company's CEO Ron Stotish said the agency was transparent and thorough in the review and approval of their application.
Still, the FDA's approval process involved a limited assessment of the manufacturing environment, and that it did not evaluate the potential for genetically-modified salmon to escape from the facilities where they are grown, among other risks, the lawsuit argued.
Additionally, advocates are concerned that the approval will set a precedent for other genetically-engineered animals.
The lawsuit is the latest front in the ongoing debate over the use of GMOs in food production.
Major food companies such as General Mills are starting to roll out labels that disclose ingredients, in response to a law in Vermont that will take effect in July.
General Mills Vice President Jeff Harmening said a national solution is needed to tackle the issue of genetically-altered food. He said research shows that GMOS are not a safety concern, but it is still important to disclose information.
"At the same time, we know that some consumers are interested in knowing which products contain GMO ingredients," added Harmening.
Photo : Andrea Pokrzywinski | Flickr
