Begich bill would prevent approval of GM salmon

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Sen. Mark Begich has introduced a bill to stop the Food and Drug Administration from approving genetically engineered fish.

Begich says the main objective is to stop the FDA from approving a science project that could potentially harm wild salmon, while posing human and environmental health risks.

The FDA is considering a proposal from AquaBounty Technologies to produce a hybrid Atlantic salmon modified with a Chinook salmon growth gene and an antifreeze gene from an eel.

In September, Begich and 10 other senators sent a letter to the FDA questioning the review process and the safety of a genetically engineered animal for human consumption.

The FDA has yet to respond to the letter.