Salmon, the first genetically engineered animal for food, has been approved for consumption anywhere in the world. The Food and Drug Administration approved genetically modified salmon as fit for human consumption based on its findings and studies that "the food from the fish is safe to eat".

"The FDA has approved AquaBounty Technologies' application for AquAdvantage Salmon, an Atlantic salmon that reaches market size more quickly than non-GE farm-raised Atlantic salmon," the agency said in a statement. 

Making the salmon the first genetically altered animal to be cleared for American supermarkets and dinner tables, the federal regulator gave its go signal on Thursday, November 19.

The biotech company behind this innovation, Aqua Bounty Farms, initially submitted its application almost 20 years ago. It actually took years of researches and tests, complying and completing regulatory requirements for such approval. 

"The FDA has thoroughly analyzed and evaluated the data and information submitted by AquaBounty Technologies regarding AquAdvantage Salmon and determined that they have met the regulatory requirements for approval, including that food from the fish is safe to eat," Dr. Bernadette Dunham of the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine explained. 

However, opponents and concerned environmental groups have expressed their disgust and dismay about the decision as they stood firm on their ground that genetically engineered food can pose risks to one's health and even to the environment in the long run.

William Muir, a professor of animal sciences at Purdue University, affirmed that this development provides safe and sustainable seafood alternatives. 

The scientists behind this genetic engineering of animals said that they had a very long wait to bring a genetically engineered animal to market.

According to The New York Times, the AquAdvantage salmon has a growth hormone gene from the Chinook salmon as well as a genetic switch from the ocean pout, an eel-like creature - keeping the transplanted gene continuously active. Thus, the salmon's own growth hormone gene is active only parts of the year.

The biotech company has said the fish can grow to market "weight in 18 to 20 months, compared with 28 to 36 months for conventionally farmed salmon". 

Food World News recently reported about genetically engineered super tomatoes, the GM fruit to aid in fighting cancer.