More than 1.8 million people submitted comments last Friday objecting the approval of genetically engineered salmon by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Just Label It campaign contributed more than 50,000 comments from its own supporters as part of a greater effort by a coalition of public interest, consumer, environmental and animal protection groups, along with commerical and recreational fisheries associations and food businesses and retailers.
The FDA first announced that it was considering the approval of GE salmon in August 2010. If approved, it would be the first-ever GE animal permitted for human consumption in the U.S. Friday marked the close of a 120-day comment period on a revised draft environmental assessment for the GE salmon, which has remained a concern for consumers and Congress alike.
"The submission of more than 1.8 million comments objecting to genetically engineered fish is just another indicator that an overwhelming majority of Americans support the right to know what's in our food," said Scott Faber, executive director of Just Label It.
The market has already started to reject GE salmon, with more than 2,500 grocery stores across the country now committed not to sell GE seafood should it come to market.
Just Label It recently presented Sen. Begich (D-AK) with more than 25,000 signatures of supporters, thanking him for introducing an amendment to the Senate Budget Resolution that passes by voice vote in favor of labeling GE fish.
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