Home of the 'Frankenfish'

The first genetically modified animals designed for human consumption that recently received approval from the FDA, are being raised here in Panama.

US regulators have officially approved the genetically modified salmon

being raised here in Panama as well as in Canada, making Salmon the first genetically modified animal intended for human consumption.

AquaBounty, the biotech company behind the fish much of the public is dubbing “frankenfish”, first submitted an application for approval almost 20 years ago. While are various concerns are being voiced, including the risk the GM fish could pose to other fish if they were to escape into the environment, others see the GM fish as a “game changer.”

Dr Ron Stotish, chief executive of AquaBounty, said the salmon was "a game-changer that brings healthy and nutritious food to consumers in an environmentally responsible manner without damaging the ocean and other marine habitats".

What remains unclear is whether retailers will be carrying the salmon, and furthermore whether the public will want to buy it.

Lisa Archer, food and technology program director at Friends of the Earth, said “despite the FDA's flawed and irresponsible approval of the first genetically engineered animal for human consumption, it's clear that there is no place in the US market for genetically engineered salmon".

There are also some ecological concerns. Among those concerns, the risk that GM salmon escape into the wild, reproducing despite the FDA’s assurance in sterility, which cannot really be assured.