I am concerned when I read about genetically modified salmon hitting the shelves soon. I understand why the thought of being able to grow food faster seems appealing. The concern comes when I start to ask questions and put it into perspective.
A GMO salmon’s growth is speeded up by the insertion of two genes, one linked to the production of growth hormone and a second to ensure growth continues even in very cold temperatures. The technology allows fish farmers to produce many more salmon at much lower cost thus boosting output and profits.
The scientists behind the GMO salmon have created safeguards to prevent them escaping and breeding with the wild population. These include ensuring all the fish involved are female and sterile.
Think of it this way. Would we want to feed our kids something that allowed them to be fully grown by the age of 7? They could bypass the natural growth stages and just be big? What would that do to them? Would it be safe? I’m guessing most of you wouldn’t choose that option if it were available. So then I ask, why would a fish want that? And what consequences does it have for them? Do these consequences affect us?
Does this growth hormone only affect the fish and shut off when we eat it? Or does it carry on while inside of us? Will it make us bigger too? There hasn’t been GMO testing on humans so the answer to that is unknown.
Even more disturbing to prevent cross breeding with wild salmon all GMO salmon are female and sterile. How do you even breed that? What does that do to the whole ecosystem? Does whatever they give them to make them sterile pass on to us? You are what you eat?
These are serious questions that I have for the people who are approving these fish not only to be made but also eaten. Is bigger really better?
Lastly, if they are safe….Are you going to label them?
Thankfully we are free to choose,
Penny
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1309316/Frankensalmon-ruled-safe-eat-Fast-growing-GM-fish-approved-scientists.html#ixzz1yw4ZV8tL