Federal health regulators say a genetically engineered salmon that grows twice as fast as normal salmon is unlikely to harm the environment, clearing the way for the first approval of a genetically engineered animal for human consumption.
The Food and Drug Administration has released its environmental assessment of the AquaAdvantage salmon, a faster-growing fish which has been subject to a contentious, yearslong debate at the agency. The document concludes that the fish is unlikely to harm the environment, including natural salmon.
The FDA previously said the fish appears to be safe to eat, but experts view the environmental report as the final step before approval.
If FDA regulators clear the fish from Massachusetts-based Aquabounty, it would be the first scientifically altered animal approved for food anywhere in the world.
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