Genetically modified salmon are ready to hit grocery store shelves for the first time in Canada.
Raised in P.E.I. by aquaculture company “AquaBounty”, the salmon contain genetic material from chinook salmon that help it reach adult size faster, creating a less expensive product.
Health Canada said it doesn’t see any need for a mandatory label to allow consumers to spot the genetically modified fish, but existing producers have said they may call for that to change.
“Will there be a disruption in the … entire salmon market? We hope not. But I will say if that’s a possibility, then the response will be: somebody has to label,” said Tim Kennedy, executive director of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance.
The GM salmon has been certified by Environment Canada, however, environmental groups have strongly opposed the idea and argue that there’s a risk to wild Atlantic salmon if there’s an escape from the farm.
With files from the Canadian Press.
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