AB 88 will ensure consumers are appropriately informed about genetically engineered salmon
Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D–San Rafael) introduced Assembly Bill 88, which will protect California consumers’ right-to-know by requiring all genetically engineered salmon sold in California to be clearly labeled.
“Knowing whether our salmon is genetically engineered is important for a host of reasons, including risks to our native salmon species, and allowing consumers to make dietary choices consistent with concerns they may have for the environment, food safety, and religiously or ethically based dietary restrictions,” said Assemblymember Huffman.
In September 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began its final review of a proposal to approve a type of farmed genetically engineered Atlantic salmon, which would be the first ever genetically engineered animal approved for human consumption.
Approval and commercial use of this transgenic fish raises the potential for serious risk of harm to the environment and biological diversity around the world, including harm to native salmon populations. Serious questions also exist about public health and the safety of consuming genetically engineered salmon due to the lack of publicly available research or a comprehensive national regulatory framework to address food safety concerns regarding genetically engineered seafood.
If the genetically engineered salmon is approved by the FDA, it’s imperative that California consumers have the information necessary to make an informed decision about the type of salmon they might be purchasing.
California currently has laws prohibiting the spawning, incubation, or cultivation of transgenic fish species, but has no laws requiring consumers be informed about whether or not salmon sold in California is genetically engineered.
“We require labels on all types of foods, such as foods grown organically, so this is consistent with California’s longstanding policies of providing consumers the information they need and deserve,” said Assemblymember Huffman.
“Consumers have the right to know that the food they consume and feed their families is safe,” said Rebecca Spector, West Coast Director of the Center for Food Safety, a cosponsor of the bill. “Until FDA does an adequate environmental and human health review of genetically engineered salmon, it is up to individual states to protect consumers and their families. Assemblymember Huffman’s bill would protect Californians through labeling, which restores consumer confidence and choice.”
”Genetically engineered seafood has huge implications for the health of our oceans and the future of our fish supply,” said Dr. George Leonard, aquaculture director at Ocean Conservancy, a cosponsor of the bill. “AB 88 ensures that California consumers will have the information they need to avoid genetically engineered salmon if they so desire.”
AB 88 will be heard in its first policy committee later this spring.
Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) represents the 6th Assembly District, which encompasses southern Sonoma County and all of Marin County. First elected in 2006, Huffman chairs the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee and also serves as co-chair of the Legislative Environmental Caucus.
CONTACT: Dan Okenfuss (916) 319-2006
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