Murkowski Praises Import Ban of “Frankenfish”
FDA Announces Ban of GE Salmon Until Labeling Guidelines are Introduced
Today the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an import alert on genetically engineered (GE) salmon, meaning the FDA will not allow the introduction or delivery of any food that contains GE salmon into interstate commerce. This comes as a direct result of Senator Murkowski’s successful efforts to secure a provision in the omnibus bill passed last month that blocks the FDA from introducing GE salmon into the market until it publishes labeling guidelines.
“This is a huge step in our fight against ‘Frankenfish’. I adamantly oppose the FDA’s misguided decision to allow GE salmon to be placed in our kitchens and on our tables, and I firmly believe that mandatory labeling guidelines must be put in place as soon as possible so consumers know what it is they are purchasing,” said Murkowski. “It seems that the FDA has begun to listen, and I hope this is a sign that the agency plans to develop these necessary guidelines.”
Background: In November 2015 the FDA announced its approval of genetically engineered salmon for human consumption. In response to the November announcement, Murkowski inserted a provision in the appropriations process to require mandatory labeling of Frankenfish. At that time Murkowski also announced that she would block the confirmation of Dr. Robert Califf to be FDA Commissioner until her concerns regarding labeling guidelines for GE salmon had been resolved. On January 13, 2016 Murkowski officially placed a hold on Dr. Califf’s confirmation.
