Student Attitudes to GM Food

A survey of 372 students found that factors such as age, gender, bio tech knowledge, politics, religion and trust in government or industry had no consistent relation with willingness to eat transgenicc meat.  Fifty percent of the students indicated that they would eat transgenic meat. These students were also more likely to read labels when shopping, and they had higher trust that scientists are truthful about transgenic meat.

It is interesting that although the FDA and GM animal producers oppose labeling of BM products, as this study suggests that people who attend most to labels are also most accepting of GM meat products.  However this small student self-report study may not reflect actual shopping behavior, or the attitudes of the wider general public.

Sources:

• Ibrahim, M., Johnson, F. Brewer, A. (2010). Student response to transgenic meat: an analysis of a Fort Valley State University survey. 2010 Annual Meeting, February 6-9, 2010, Orlando, Florida. [Full Text]

FDA Considers GM Salmon

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently considering whether  genetically modified Atlantic salmon are safe for consumers, and whether it should carry special labelling.

AquaBounty Technologies Inc developed the fish to be fast growing, halving the normal 3 year growing period.  The GM fish produces growth hormones all year, rather than just in the summer.

AquaBounty appear to oppose labelling requirements that would identify the salmon to consumers as genetically modified.  Reuters report that David Edwards, head of animal biotechnology for the Biotechnology Industry said that special labelling:  "just causes confusion for the consumers."

Opponents question the safety of the product, and warn that escaped GM fish could devastate wild salmon populations.

Genetically engineered vegetables (such as corn and soy) are widely available, as a GM pet animals (e.g. Yorktown Technologies LP's GloFish).  However the Aqua Bounty salmon will be something of a test case when it comes to food animals. If AquaBounty obtain approval for their Atlantic salmon similar lines of tilapia and trout would likely follow.


Sources:

• Biotech salmon faces scrutiny at FDA panel
• FDA advisors to vote on genetically engineered salmon
• A genetically engineered fillet: GMO salmon and future food
• Has FDA Already Decided About Genetically Engineered Salmon?