Canadian Department of Environment Will Allow for Sale of GE Salmon Eggs

On November 23, 2013, the Canadian Department of the Environment released a Significant New Activity Notice that, as long as the specified requirements under the Notice are met, companies can sell genetically engineered (GE) salmon eggs to hatcheries and other buyers. The Significant New Activity Notice is not an endorsement of the product, however, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada still need to approve the GE eggs before they can be sold. According to press releases, the FDA is expected to give its approval based on previous statements concerning the lack of environmental impact of AquaBounty’s GE fish. AquaBounty is the producer of AquAdvantage GE salmon eggs and fish in Canada. AquaBounty also owns the only GE salmon growing facility in the world so far.

For more information on AquaBounty and their product, AquAdvantage, please see their website.

Written by Sarah L. Doyle - Research Assistant

The Agricultural Law Resource and Reference Center

@PSUAgLawCenter

December 2, 2013