AquaBounty Technologies has announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved its new animal drug application for the production, sale and consumption of its AquaAdvantage Salmon.
The salmon has been genetically enhanced to reach market size in less time than conventional farmed Atlantic salmon.
Ronald L Stotish, CEO of AquaBounty, said: “AquAdvantage Salmon is a game-changer that brings healthy and nutritious food to consumers in an environmentally responsible manner without damaging the ocean and other marine habitats.”
He added: “Using land-based aquaculture systems, this rich source of protein and other nutrients can be farmed close to major consumer markets in a more sustainable manner.”
Currently, the US imports over 90% of all the seafood and 95% of all Atlantic salmon that it consumes. The new AquAdvantage Salmon will provide customers with a fresh product and an opportunity for an economically viable domestic aquaculture industry.
AquaBounty’s AquAdvantage Salmon increases productivity while reducing costs and the environmental impacts associated with current salmon farming operations.
“The U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee encourages Americans to eat a wide variety of seafood—including wild caught and farmed—as part of a healthy diet rich in healthy fatty acids,” said Jake Bobo, senior vice president and chief communications officer at Intexon.
He concluded: “This must occur in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. FDA’s approval of the AquAdvantage Salmon is an important step in this direction.”
