GM Foods: Frankenfish vs Real Salmon

Genetically engineered (GE) salmon or "Frankenfish", exhibits high levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (or IGF), a hormone that has been linked to a variety of cancers in humans. GE salmon express 40 percent higher rates of the hormone than non-GE salmon, suggesting a significant risk to consumers.

The American Cancer Society acknowledges the link between IGF-1 and cancer, but has stated that more independent science is needed before any conclusions can be made about the safety of products like recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH).

The FDA approved rBGH in 1993 and it became widely used in American dairies for about a decade, despite concerns over IGF-1 and the fact that most other industrialized nations banned it. 

After more science emerged, many American companies, including Kroger, Walmart and Starbucks, took the extraordinary measure of independently banning rBGH from their products.

GE = genetically engineered; the DNA is modified; same as GM
GM = genetically modified; same as GE

MORE INFORMATION

Engineered Fish Moves a Step Closer to Approval (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/22/business/gene-altered-fish-moves-closer-to-federal-approval.html

GM salmon: FDA's assessment of environmental risks (LA Times)
http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-aquabounty-salmon-fda-assesses-risks-20121224,0,2554480.story

Genetically Modified Animals (Women’s Health Magazine)
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/genetically-modified-animals

Protect our waters from GE Salmon (Center for Food Safety)
http://ge-fish.org/

Below the Surface: The Dangers of Genetically Engineered Salmon (Food & Water Watch)
http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/factsheet/below-the-surface/

Genetically Engineered Salmon (Ocean Conservancy)
http://www.oceanconservancy.org/our-work/aquaculture/aquaculture-genetically.html