Major Stores say “NO” to GMO Salmon from the Vital Choice Newsletter. Yesterday, a coalition of 30 consumer, health, food safety, and fishing groups launched the “Campaign for Genetically Engineered (GE)-Free Seafood”. At the same time, they announced that several major grocers — representing more than 2,000 stores — have committed not to sell GE seafood.

Vital Choice has also signed the coalition’s Pledge for GE-Free Seafood … though our longtime no-GE-foods policy predates this campaign by 10 years. (To be clear, the terms genetically engineered (GE) and genetically modified (GM) mean the same thing, and GMO stands for genetically modified organism.) The coalition, led by Friends of the Earth, includes the Center for Food Safety, Food & Water Watch, Consumers Union, and Healthy Child Healthy World (which Vital Choice supports). They’re asking grocery stores, seafood restaurants, chefs, and seafood companies to join the Pledge for GE-Free Seafood. “Since the FDA will likely not label genetically engineered fish, this pledge will help parents – and all of us – know where we can safely shop to avoid eating the unknown,” said Alexandra Zissu, editorial director of Healthy Child Healthy World (CFS 2013). The growing market rejection of GE fish comes as the FDA conducts its final review of a genetically engineered salmon. If approved, the salmon would be the first-ever genetically engineered animal allowed to enter the human food supply. For the story to date, see “ GM Salmon Gets Tentative FDA Approval ’. Major grocers join Vital Choice in rejecting GE salmon Stores that have committed to not offer the salmon or other genetically engineered seafood include Trader Joe’s (367 stores), Aldi (1,230 stores), Whole Foods (346 stores in the U.S.), and Marsh Supermarkets (93 stores in Indiana and Ohio). “We applaud these retailers … now it’s time for other food retailers, including Walmart, Costco, and Safeway to follow suit …”, said Eric Hoffman from Friends of the Earth. Consumer opposition to GE animals is strong According to a recent Lake Research poll, the majority of Americans say they won’t eat genetically engineered seafood, and 91 percent say the FDA should not allow it onto the market. And 80 percent of Americans who regularly eat fish say that sustainable practices are “important” or “very important” to them, according to a 2013 NPR poll. The FDA has said it will likely not label genetically engineered salmon, providing consumers no way of knowing if the fish they buy is genetically engineered. At least 35 other species of genetically engineered fish are currently under development, and the FDA’s decision on this genetically engineered salmon application will set a precedent for other genetically engineered fish and animals (including cows, chickens and pigs) to enter the global food market. See also “Is Genetically Engineered Salmon Safe” by Ocean Robbins at The Huffington Post Click here to read Dr. Mercola’s report “Shocking Report Identifies Massive Seafood Fraud Across the US”

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