"Genetically Altered Salmon? It Doesn't Stop There"

"WASHINGTON – We've always played with our food — even before we knew about genes or how to change them.

For thousands of years, humans have practiced selective breeding — pairing the beefiest bull with the healthiest heifers to start a new herd. That concept was refined to develop plant hybridization and artificial insemination. Today we've got tastier corn on sturdier stalks, bigger turkeys and meatier cattle.

Now comes an Atlantic salmon that is genetically engineered to grow twice as fast as a regular salmon. If U.S. regulators approve it, the fish would be the first such scientifically altered animal to reach the dinner plate.

Scientists have already determined that it's safe to eat. They are weighing other factors, including environmental risks, after two days of intense hearings.

Whatever the decision on salmon, it's only the start of things to come."

Seth Borenstein and Malcolm Ritter report for the Associated Press September 22, 2010.

SEE ALSO:

"AP: A Double-byline Story Puts Transgenic Salmon in Deep Historic Context" (Knight Science Journalism Tracker)