Business & Tech

Frankensalmon? Several Grocery Chains Reportedly Say They Won't Sell It

A report on seattlepi.com says several grocery chains—including two with stores in Bellevue—have agreed not to sell genetically engineered Atlantic salmon, which are nearing federal approval.

Several grocery chains—including three with stores in Bellevue—have reportedly agreed not to sell genetically engineered salmon as the fish near approval by the Food and Drug Administration, reports seattlepi.com.

Would you eat genetically modified salmon? Tell us in the comments section.

A coalition of environmental and consumer groups announced Wednesday they have secured promises from several grocery chains not to carry the fish—often called "Frankenfish" or "Frankensalmon"—including Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and PCC Natural Markets in Washington.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Most of the larger supermarket chains are not participating in the agreement.

The genetically engineered fish are from AquaBounty Technologies of Massachusetts, which says they grow twice as fast as natural salmon but are safe, sustainable and in all other respects “identical to other Atlantic salmon.”

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

If approved they would be the first transgenic animal to enter America’s food supply. They have received preliminary federal approval, with a public comment period open until April 26.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Bellevue