According to British media reports on the 16th, the world’s first genetically modified animal for the purpose of human consumption will probably be taken to the table within two years.
A genetically modified "super squid" developed by a U.S. company is likely to be certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the short term. It is reported that the development time of this "super squid" is only half that of common squid. If this transgenic salmon is certified in the United States, the company will next seek approval in Europe.
On the 15th, AquaBounty, a Massachusetts-based aquatic company, said that they had received two letters from the FDA's veterinary center. The letter said that of the 7 related departments that marketed the production of genetically modified fish eggs, there are 5 Passed the test.
It is reported that the company implanted a fish egg gene named Chinook into the eggs of Atlantic salmon, which is a very common type of feeding carp. One year after the hatching of the genetically engineered eggs, the average weight of the transgenic salmon reached 1340 grams, while the average weight of the common Atlantic salmon was only 663 grams. The company claims that the cost of raising the new transgenic fish will be lower because they will consume less food throughout the growth process. This is undoubtedly a good news for the fish industry.
However, there is still a great deal of controversy over the issue of the escape of Atlantic salmon that may have escaped, thus destroying the ecosystem. Pete Riley, a general manager of the food department, said: "We are very worried about the possible escape of fish rearing. Earlier, there was also a lack of relevant records on preventing fish escape."
AquaBounty emphasizes that they only breed female fish with fertility, thereby minimizing the risk of crossbreeding between species, and that the emergence of new species in interspecific hybridization will disrupt the balance of the marine ecosystem.
The company hopes that the fish eggs they developed will be certified before this year's breeding season, which means that the first type of genetically modified salmon will be available for human consumption in 2012. According to reports, transgenic salmon will be the next research object of this company.