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Canadian regulators OK fast-growing, genetically modified salmon for consumption

This 2010 file handout photo provided by AquaBounty Technologies shows two same-age salmon, a genetically modified salmon, rear, and a non-genetically modified salmon, foreground. A genetically engineered salmon has been approved for sale for consumption by humans and livestock feed by Canadian food regulators.
This 2010 file handout photo provided by AquaBounty Technologies shows two same-age salmon, a genetically modified salmon, rear, and a non-genetically modified salmon, foreground. A genetically engineered salmon has been approved for sale for consumption by humans and livestock feed by Canadian food regulators. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP Photo/AquaBounty Technologies

OTTAWA – A genetically engineered salmon has been approved for sale for consumption by humans and livestock feed by Canadian food regulators.

Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said today they completed a scientific review of AquAdvantage’s salmon in the final regulatory hurdle for the farmed fish.

READ MORE: B.C. residents support ban on GMO foods: new poll

The salmon was developed by AquaBounty Technologies Inc. to promote rapid growth during early life, using a growth hormone gene from the Chinook salmon in an Atlantic salmon.

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The regulators say in a news release that genetically modified foods are becoming more common every day and are a regular part of Canadians diets.

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The salmon has already been approved for use by the United States Food and Drug Administration following that agency’s review last year.

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AquAdvantage salmon has a facility in the eastern Prince Edward Island community of Bay Fortune.

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