Today, Radio Boston tackles the topic of genetically modified salmon. Haven’t heard about it? Check out the story in today’s Washington Post.
Waltham-based AquaBounty Technologies has created a genetically modified salmon that will grow twice as fast. The Atlantic salmon engineered by AquaBounty includes a growth hormone from a Chinook salmon that allows the fish to produce growth hormone all year long. As the Washington Post article explains: “The engineers were able to keep the hormone active by using another gene from an eel-like fish, an ocean pout, that acts like an ‘on switch’ for the hormone, which conventional salmon produce only some of the time.”
Ron Stotish, President of AquaBounty, is in Washington for a series of FDA hearings regarding the labeling of the product. Consumer groups argue, should the salmon be approved for sale, the public has a right to know that they are consuming genetically modified fish.
Today, we’ll take your questions and speak with Ron Stotish, President of Waltham-based AquaBounty Technologies as well as Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director of Food and Water Watch, a consumer watchdog group.
Tweet us with your thoughts @radioboston or @pubradiokitchen and call: 1-800-423-TALK at 3pm EST with your questions, comments, and opinions.