Senator Murkowski Works to Secure Mandatory “Frankenfish” Labeling Provision

The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee on 20 May unanimously approved provisions in a 2017 appropriations bill to help American consumers identify genetically engineered salmon in the retail marketplace and support the wild fishing industry. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), pushed hard for the bill to include: “a labeling mandate for genetically engineered (GE) salmon, recommendations for nutritional advice on seafood, assistance for Alaska’s farmers, and support for critical food assistance programs.”

“Genetically engineered salmon pose a serious threat to the livelihoods of fishermen and the health and well-being of Americans across the nation. Alaska is known around the world for our sustainably-caught, wild, delicious seafood. Requiring labeling of genetically engineered salmon helps us to maintain Alaska’s gold-standard reputation for years to come, and protects consumers,” said Murkowski.PCFFA, IFR and other food safety and salmon conservation organizations are engaged in litigation challenging the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval last year of GE salmon for human consumption. FDA’s approval could have untold impacts on wild-spawning salmon and the family fishermen who sustainably harvest them.

For more information, see this 20 May press release from Senator Murkowski’s office, or review her comments at the Appropriations Committee hearing on the labeling provision.