Were you interested in submitting comments for the draft documents regarding Environmental Assessment (EA) and preliminary Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)? Specifically, those pertaining to AquaBounty Technologies’ application for AquAdvantage Salmon? If so, you’re in luck! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that it is extending the comment period for another 60-days. The comment period was supposed to conclude on Feb. 25, 2013. Now, the comment period runs until April 26, 2013.
AquAdvantage salmon is the trade name for a genetically modified Atlantic salmon developed by AquaBounty Technologies. The AquAdvantage salmon has been modified by the addition of a growth hormone regulating gene from a Pacific Chinook salmon and a promoter gene from an ocean pout to the Atlantic’s 40,000 genes. These genes enable it to grow year-round instead of only during spring and summer. The purpose of the modifications is to increase the speed at which the fish grows, without affecting its ultimate size or other qualities. This allows producers to supply enough salmon for the large quantity of year-round purchasers and consumers to enjoy a quality product.
The draft EA and preliminary FONSI are one step in FDA’s evaluation of the AquAdvantage Salmon and do not indicate an approval of the application. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) requires FDA and other federal agencies to perform such assessments whenever a major Federal action is taken. Comments made regarding these documents could potentially benefit your business. Please contact us so that we may inform you on some beneficial steps that could be taken to improve your trade.
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