Should Genetically-Modified Salmon be Approved by the FDA?
In my opinion, it is clear that genetically-modified salmon should not be approved by the FDA at this time. Aside from the environmental impact and potential harm to human health, genetically modifying living organisms has many ethical issues attached to it. Fish are living creatures and are a part of the natural biosphere. It is unnatural and unethical to change them for the purposes of human beings. The aquaculture that would be used in conjunction with the genetic modification also has ethical implications, with the confinement of creatures in conditions much less healthy (dirtier water, higher population density) than their natural environment.
The modification of animals for human consumption brings about many topics of ethics that have not previously been considered. How far is humanity willing to go for convenience and ease? If we can change fish, why not change all animals? If animals can be modified, why not modify humans? The implications that genetically modifying animals has on society can stretch well beyond acceptable levels. Though the previous questions may be unlikely, one outcome of transgenic fish production is almost certain. The widespread use of genetic modification in animal food sources will certainly result from the consumption of genetically-modified salmon. This introduction of modified animal products will completely alter the nature of the food industry and thus alter human eating habits. In this stage, where the long term effects of consuming genetically modified meat are unknown, this could have severe consequences.
To conclude, genetically modified salmon, such as AquAdvantage salmon should not be approved by the FDA or other government until much more research is done and all impacts on human health, the environment and the animals involved are evaluated fully.
The modification of animals for human consumption brings about many topics of ethics that have not previously been considered. How far is humanity willing to go for convenience and ease? If we can change fish, why not change all animals? If animals can be modified, why not modify humans? The implications that genetically modifying animals has on society can stretch well beyond acceptable levels. Though the previous questions may be unlikely, one outcome of transgenic fish production is almost certain. The widespread use of genetic modification in animal food sources will certainly result from the consumption of genetically-modified salmon. This introduction of modified animal products will completely alter the nature of the food industry and thus alter human eating habits. In this stage, where the long term effects of consuming genetically modified meat are unknown, this could have severe consequences.
To conclude, genetically modified salmon, such as AquAdvantage salmon should not be approved by the FDA or other government until much more research is done and all impacts on human health, the environment and the animals involved are evaluated fully.