As major supermarkets like Safeway, Target, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s refuse GM salmon, the mega store Costco is planning on selling the genetically modified fish to its customers while attempting to dress itself as a big organic seller.
This is odd, since Costco has just announced that it will become one of the largest sellers of organic products in the US, and also since Costco customers recently rallied in Seattle to deliver more than 50,000 signatures asking the company not to sell GM salmon.
Over 60 retailers representing more than 9000 stores have already publicly committed to refusing GM salmon, otherwise known as AquaAdvantage, made by the biotech company, AquaBounty Technologies, headquartered in Massachusetts.
Growth hormones from the Chinook salmon were added to AquaBounty’s GM version of the popular fish so that it can grow year round and not just during the spring and summer months. These growth hormones also affect the salmon’s overall size, but not without some serious questions about its safety.
The FDA gave AquaBounty a green light on GM Salmon even though numerous petitions were filed asking them to conduct more extensive risk studies. Food and Water Watch delivered two petitions with the following sentiment:
“For an agency responsible for 80 percent of the food that we eat—and which often touts its commitment to science-based regulations—the FDA is shockingly lenient with the quality of science it is requiring of AquaBounty. . .We can’t make science-based risk assessments based on six fish. And we can’t declare that GMO salmon is safe to eat based on a regulatory review process that treats a food product like a drug. The only appropriate course of action for FDA is to evaluate GMO salmon as a food and declare it unsafe.”
If Costco sees clearly enough to deliver organic products to its customers, who obviously demand it, then why is the company insistent on feeding them GM salmon that they don’t want? Especially since the Canadian government has issued a draft statement saying that GE salmon is not safe since it is ‘more prone to disease.’
Well, that’s excellent. But do you have any actual evidence of your claim? Or are you just trying to ignite the harpies?
Good for Costco! Give us choices!
Give us choices? Not unless it is labeled! Show me the chronic toxicity studies done proving GM salmon is safe for long term consumption!
Why? You wouldn’t believe them if I did. You don’t like it then buy organic and waste your money, but quit whining and leave the rest of us alone.
Again show me the study…and NO I will NEVER stop until they are labeled and properly tested!
Go find them yourself there are plenty out there you just chose to ignore them.
Lol, NO and thank you for proving me RIGHT!
What that you are too lazy to actually do some research? I think you actually have seen plenty of it, but chose not to believe it, because it doesn’t fit your agenda.
How do I have a choice when the mutated salmon are unlabeled? The “choice” I’m left with is between Known and Unknown. I don’t call that a choice. If you don’t care about choice your opinion is meaningless.
Sincerely, The Real Rest of Us
You already have a choice, buy certified organic or raise your own. Quit your whining by interfering with those of us smart enough to understand the research.
As a research officer I seriously question your ability to understand research. You swallow the corporate pseudoscience and then insult people who have done a lot more research on this than you have. You are gullible and naive. Do some REAL research before shooting your ignorant mouth off…
Eighty eight percent of the scientist agree with me pal. That is a pretty big majority. Billions of people consume gmos without a single issue. You are the one that swallows the fake information that comes along.
If there are plenty post them…lol pathetic!
Go to gmodangeroustalk. com and you will find more than you wish. Of course you will find something wrong with each and every one of them I’m sure.
That’s because there IS something wrong with each and every one of them. This is an infant technology (we are clueless of the consequences) that simultaneously ignores the Precautionary Principles, the lesson of Pandora’s Box and the concept of Co-Evolution. Other infant technilogies that should still be confined are geo-engineering (fallout), microwave (EMF radiation), pharmaceuticals (“side effects”), nuclear (Fukushima). Every one of these are harming humans everyday. Is it ONLY because they are still not under control or are they purposely being used to cause harm?
Do say we, it has been around long enough for us to know exactly what it is. The same as non gmo. It has been proven time and again all over the world for twenty years now, not in labs, but in real world applications.
Never been properly tested for safety. No long term testing. Only testing is done by the corporations who produce it. You are gullible and naive to take their word for it. Try reading Druker’s book, Altered Genes, Twisted Truth and educate yourself…
Talk about someone that doesn’t do much research. There are many independent studies out there and yes some are long term. The best evidence though is not in the lab, it is in the real world where “testing” has been going on for twenty years with many generations all with zero issue. Sorry robbie but you need to try harder, oh sorry you need to actually try.
Again post ONE meeting the criteria which is basic 101 chronic toxicity study….you cannot which is why you have NOT!
There are at least twelve studies of more than 90 days and up to two yeas with two to five generations. Obviously, you either didn’t look to well or you just like to whine.
None that meet my criteria… Please post them…
LOL!! Just as I told you!! They don’t meet your criteria because they are real studies that didn’t come up with the answers you wanted!! Thanks for proving you aren’t interested in the truth.
BS….post ONE that meets the minimal 101 chronic toxcity study requirement to ascertain any safety in the long term consumption of GMOs and their associated pesticides! The other caveat is they have to be a GMO currently on the market…this should be easy! It is NOT because the proper testing was NOT done! Nice try at defection but epic fail in the end!
I’m bored I will humor you. Google has never heard of 101 chronic toxicity study requirements, so why don’t you list yours. I will help you. Number one all results must match TZ’s wierd and inaccurate conclusions or they are immediately discounted.
http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/IngredientsAdditivesGRASPackaging/ucm123677.htm
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
FDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
HomeFoodDrugsMedical DevicesRadiation-Emitting ProductsVaccines, Blood & BiologicsAnimal & VeterinaryCosmeticsTobacco Products
Food
HomeFoodGuidance & RegulationGuidance Documents & Regulatory Information by Topic Ingredients, Additives, GRAS & Packaging
Template for Chronic (1 Year) Dog Toxicity Study Template
Introduction to the Chronic (1 Year) Dog Toxicity Study Template
Return to Toxicology Template Introduction
Table of Contents
Identification of Study
Good Laboratory Practice
Executive Summary
MATERIALS AND METHODS
TEST SUBSTANCE
TEST SUBSTANCE AS ADMINISTERED
ANIMAL DIET
TEST ANIMALS
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
BODY WEIGHT AND FEED INTAKE
CAGE-SIDE OBSERVATIONS
OPTHALMOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
HEMATOLOGY
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY
URINALYSIS
OTHER TESTS
NECROPSY (INTERIM, IF ANY)
NECROPSY (TERMINAL)
GROSS PATHOLOGY OBSERVATIONS
HISTOPATHOLOGY OBSERVATIONS
STATISTICAL METHODS
Results
DOSE VERIFICATION
FEED CONSUMPTION
BODY WEIGHT
INTAKE OF TEST SUBSTANCE
FEED EFFICIENCY
CAGE-SIDE OBSERVATIONS
MORTALITY
OPHTHALMOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
HEMATOLOGY
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY
URINALYSIS
NEUROTOXICITY (IF INDICATED)
OTHER TESTS
ORGAN WEIGHTS
GROSS PATHOLOGY CHANGES OBSERVED
HISTOPATHOLOGY CHANGES OBSERVED
Evaluation and Comments on Study
Summary and Conclusions
BRIEF SUMMARY OF MAJOR FINDINGS FROM THE STUDY
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DOSE AND INCIDENCE/SEVERITY OF LESIONS OR ABNORMALITIES
IS THERE A TARGET ORGAN?
NOEL
References
Chronic (1 Year) Toxicity Study in Dogs1
Date of Submission:
Title of Petition or Notification:
Name and Address of Petitioner or Notifier:
I. Identification of Study2
A. Study File Location:
B. Study Title/Report Number:
C. Name and Address of Testing Facility:
D. Study Author(s) and/or Study Director(s):
E. Date of Study Report:
F. Dates Study Conducted:
G. Study Objective:
H. Comments:
II. Good Laboratory Practice3
A. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Compliance?
B. Quality Assurance (QA) Statement?
C. Availability and Location of Original Data/Specimens/Test Substance:
III. Executive Summary
KEYWORDS: 4
IV. Materials and Methods5
A. TEST SUBSTANCE6
1. CAS name:
2. Other name(s):
3. CAS registry number:
4. Molecular structure: http://www.chemfinder.com7 /
5. Purity:
6. Impurities:
7. Stability:
8. Comments:
B. TEST SUBSTANCE AS ADMINISTERED8
1. Batch/Lot Number(s):
2. Route:
3. Vehicle used:
4. Tested adequately for concentration ? (See Part V-A for calculation )
5. Tested for homogeneity?
6. Tested for stability?9
Before treatment period Yes No
After treatment period Yes No
After changes to stock Yes No
(If No, list dates tested for stability )
7. Problems with storage?
C. ANIMAL DIET
1. Feed
Type:
Name:
Availability:
Analysis for contaminants:
Comments: (e.g., describe contaminants found)
2. Water
Source:
Availability:
Analysis for contaminants:
Comments: (e.g., describe contaminants found)
D. TEST ANIMALS
1. Species/strain:
2. Sex:
3. Age range at initiation of study:
4. Weight range at initiation of study:
5. Quarantine/acclimation?
6. Physical examination schedule:
7. Number per cage:
8. Environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, humidity, photoperiod, etc.)
9. Comments:
E. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN10
1. Targeted dose levels:
Table # [Heading]
TEST GROUP CONC. IN DIET(PPM OR MG/KG) DOSE TO ANIMALS(MG/KG BODY-WEIGHT/DAY) NUMBER OF MALES NUMBER OF FEMALES
CONTROL
LOW
MID
HIGH
2. Total number of animals:
3. Duration of study (including recovery period, if any):
4. Length of exposure to test substance:
5. Were animals randomized?
6. Recovery period:
7. Comments: (e.g. dose selection rationale, dosing differences in males and females, etc.)
F. BODY WEIGHT AND FEED INTAKE11
1. Parameter examined:
Table # [Heading]
EXAMINED
NOT EXAMINED
Feed Intake*,
Water Intake*,
Body Weight*,
Body Weight Changes*
*These parameters are recommended in Toxicological Principles for the Safety of Food Ingredients: Redbook 2000 for chronic toxicity studies.
2. Comments: (e.g., list frequency; control vs. treatment group measurements)
G. CAGE-SIDE OBSERVATIONS12
1. Parameter examined:
Table # [Heading]
EXAMINED
NOT EXAMINED
Appearance*,
Abnormal Stool*,
Morbidity*,
Mortality*,
Neurotoxicity Screening (Specify parameters)**
*These parameters are recommended in Toxicological Principles for the Safety of Food Ingredients: Redbook 2000 for chronic toxicity studies.
** The parameters for neurotoxicity screening may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Changes in skin, fur, eyes, mucous membranes, gait, posture, and response to handling,
autonomic activity such as lacrimation, piloerection, pupil size change, unusual respiratory pattern,
Presence of clonic or tonic seizure,
Stereotypic behaviors such as excessive grooming and repetitive circling,
Bizarre behavior such as self-mutilation and walking backwards,
Gross tumor development.
2. Comments: (e.g., list frequency)
H. OPTHALMOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
1. Parameter examined:
2. Comments:
I. HEMATOLOGY13
1. Fasting duration prior to blood collection:
2. When during the study (dates, times) were the blood samples collected? .
3. How were the blood samples drawn?
4. Dose groups and number of animals tested:
5. Parameter examined:
Table # [Heading]
MEASUREMENT RELATED TO EXAMINED NOT EXAMINED
RED BLOOD CELLS Hematocrit (Hct)*,Hemoglobin Conc. (Hb)*, Mean Corp. Hb. (MCH)*,Mean Corp. Hb. Conc. (MCHC)*, Mean Corp. Volume (MCV)*, Total Erythrocyte Count (RBC)*
WHITE BLOOD CELLS Basophils*, Eosinophils*, Lymphocytes*,Macrophage/Monocytes*, Neutrophils*,Total Leukocytes (WBC)*
CLOTTING POTENTIAL Activated Partial-Thromboplastin Time*, Clotting Time*, Platelet Count*, Prothrombin Time*
OTHERS Bone Marrow Cytology*,Reticulocyte Counts*
* These parameters are recommended in Toxicological Principles for the Safety of Food Ingredients: Redbook 2000 for chronic toxicity studies. See more…link above..
http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/156673/
Animal Testing for Toxicity
Animal tests for toxicity are conducted prior to human clinical investigations as part of the non-clinical laboratory tests of pharmaceuticals. For pesticides and industrial chemicals, human testing is rarely conducted. Animal test results often represent the only means by which toxicity in humans can be effectively predicted.
With animal tests:
chemical exposure can be precisely controlled
environmental conditions can be well-controlled
virtually any type of toxic effect can be evaluated
the mechanism by which toxicity occurs can be studied
Methods to evaluate toxicity exist for a wide variety of toxic effects. Some procedures for routine safety testing have been standardized. Standardized animal toxicity tests are highly effective in detecting toxicity that may occur in humans. Concern for animal welfare has resulted in tests that use humane procedures and only the number of animals needed for statistical reliability.
To be standardized, a test procedure must have scientific acceptance as the most meaningful assay for the toxic effect. Toxicity testing can be very specific for a particular effect, such as dermal irritation, or it may be general, such as testing for unknown chronic effects.
Standardized tests have been developed for the following effects:
Acute Toxicity
Subchronic Toxicity
Chronic Toxicity
Carcinogenicity
Reproductive Toxicity
Developmental Toxicity
Dermal Toxicity
Ocular Toxicity
Neurotoxicity
Genetic Toxicity
Species selection varies with the toxicity test to be performed. There is no single species of animal that can be used for all toxicity tests. Different species may be needed to assess different types of toxicity. In some cases, it may not be possible to use the most desirable animal for testing because of animal welfare or cost considerations. For example, use of monkeys and dogs is restricted to special cases, even though they represent the species that may react closest to humans.
Rodents and rabbits are the most commonly used laboratory species due to their availability, low costs in breeding and housing, and past history in producing reliable results.
The toxicologist attempts to design an experiment to duplicate the potential exposure of humans as closely as possible. For example:
The route of exposure should simulate that of human exposure. Most standard tests use inhalation, oral, or dermal routes of exposure.
The age of test animals should relate to that of humans. Testing is normally conducted with young adults, although newborn or pregnant animals may be used in some cases.
For most routine tests, both sexes are used. Sex differences in toxic response are minimal, except for toxic substances with hormonal properties.
Dose levels are normally selected so as to determine the threshold as well as dose-response relationship. Usually, a minimum of three dose levels are used.
You are an anti science idiot!
LOL, I am the one that believes the science behind gmos. You on the other hand believe in science fiction!!!
You’ve swallowed the koolaid, GMO Roberts. Too bad, too sad…
Yes I believe the facts that we are living with gmos, and they are feeding the world today. Only a fool like you can’t see what is already in front of you.
Such a shame that the “author” didn’t even take the time to look at Costco’s Facebook page to see where they have stated, hundreds of times, that they are NOT selling GMO salmon!
How would anyone know if they aren’t labeled?
#1: GMO salmon hasn’t even been approved for sale. #2 If anyone has a complaint about labeling, then you should contact your government officials and complain to them.
we have & they don’t care
Costco is one of the last major regional and national grocery stores that has not yet committed to not carry this inadequately tested, unlabeled GMO salmon that poses risks to wild salmon, the environment and human health. Already, more than 60 retailers, representing over 9,000 grocery stores across the United States, have committed to not sell the GMO salmon should the FDA approve it. Last spring, Kroger and Safeway, the largest and second largest grocery chains in the country respectively, signed on to the pledge, joining other chains such as Trader Joe’s,
Whole Foods, Target, Aldi and H-E-B. Costco, with its 474 U.S. locations, remains one of the largest and last grocery chains to stay onthe salmon fence.
John: One look at Costco’s Facebbok page will refute your statement. They have clearly stated they are not going to sell GMO salmon. Don’t know how much clearer they can get.
And I don’t know how much more naive some people can get, actually taking big business at their word.
This coming from the person that claims to believe Kroger, Safeway and the others? Funny what a hippocrite you are.
” Last spring, Kroger and Safeway, the largest and second largest grocery
chains in the country respectively, signed on to the pledge, joining
other chains such as Trader Joe’s”
I can see the 6 years in grade 2 didn’t help you much. Read it again Bobo.
“And I don’t know how much more naive some people can get, actually taking big business at their word.”
So if they sign a piece of paper then they are trust worthy? I can see you would be happy with cheap beads and trinkets as well. Tell us again Johnny what kind of government we have.
please post a link because I can’t find it
I can’t find it can you post the link to their statement?
Costco is based in the Pacific Northwest, in Issaquah, Washington. The area’s salmon populations could potentially be threatened if any GMO salmon, engineered to grow larger than wild salmon and to full size in just 16 to 18 months, should ever escape. If a GMO salmon were to escape from AquaBounty’s control (which is not unlikely given its documented irresponsible management of its Panamanian GMO salmon facility) studies suggest that wild salmon could go extinct within just four generations. This could have significant impact on the thousands of wild salmon fishermen and Native American tribes. Even more broadly, FDA approval of the GMO salmon could set a worrying precedent for the dozens of other
genetically engineered fish waiting in the approval pipeline.
Speak with your wallet and DO NOT buy this crap.
Also spread this News to Family and Friends letting them know that Costco is not listening to Consumers.
It’s all about their profits at the expense of our Health.
We are not Guinea Pigs. We want our WILD salmon, not Fankensalmon.
Costco has already stated hundreds of times that they are not going to sell GMO Salmon. Such a shame no one does any research.
where
Costco already sells farmed Atlantic salmon, as well as other farmed fish, and many of these fish are fed GMO yeast as part of the unnatural diet 🙁
Costco has more wild caught salmon and other wild caught fish than any retailer than I know of. They do not sell GM salmon. How many times do they have to say it??
they have not committed to not selling it, they don’t have it yet because it’s not out yet, but they will unless we stop them.
What is your source for this information? Costco headquarters said today that they have no plans to sell this salmon… Where are you getting this misinformation?
So you can read the future? We don’t know what they will do. Let’s wait to see what happens before crossing an unfinished bridge. Have you even written Costco to share your concerns, or is your big talk just on internet forums? I have personally written them and voice my concerns….that’s how you get something done, write to those who can make changes…store owners, politicians and etc.
They don’t sell GM salmon….calm down folks and dig deeper.
Tired of these bloggers spreading rumors and untruths. We have enough to worry about as it is….please do not add more BS to the mix!
It’s not out yet, but it’s coming soon.
Yes! FDA must demand all shelf or fresh items be labeled GMO or non-GMO. This is our right to demand this. We must be on guard and follow up so that (our) FDA will be accountable for decisions and actions.
Our bought off Congress just revoked the meat labeling law for country of origin. Obama and most of the Republicans and Democrats in Congress are set to pass the “secret” Transpacific Trade Agreement on Tuesday… but this is NOT A TRADE AGREEMENT. The “secret” 3-part TPP, TISA, and TTIP are A GLOBAL TREATY. It will destroy our Bill of Rights and the American Constitution and our laws. These agreements were written by the 1%, the big banksters and multi-national business. This is like NAFTA on steroids but much more. HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF JOBS will go overseas as well as all remaining manufacturing and production jobs. Service jobs will be filled by unlimited foreign workers on of visas (this just happened at Disney and there are others). These agreements affect environmental laws, labeling laws, big pharma drug monopolies, 2nd amendment gun rights, and much more! Wikileaks offered $100,000 to get a copy of the TPP agreement and got 17 chapters of the 29 chapters… you won’t believe what is in this and no one knows all of it. There are several youtube videos on this to explain more. Please CALL EVERYONE YOU KNOW and have them call their Senators and Reps and tell them to vote NO on the fast-track bill for the TPP!!! And, TELL THEM TO PUBLISH THE SECRET TPP!
we should all send the emails through their website so they understand the impact of this decision. I told them I would not renew if they sell GE Salmon
good idea
I have been a huge fan of Costco, they are one of our farms best customers and one of the few stores I frequent. I have been very impressed with the organic sales and response to members comments in the box. I would be amazed if they don’t join all of the other stores in denouncing this FrankenFish.
Monsanto and Dow are suing Maui to avoid independent impact studies that we voted for when Maui passed the Moratorium on GMO here in the worlds source of new GMO seeds. God willing the court case today will go as the one in Benton County; however, as we are so critical to Monsanto and Dow it will be an uphill battle.
Know what you buy
I just asked Costco about this on their Facebook page and this was their response. ”
Considerable scientific research is being conducted regarding GMO food,
and oversight of this falls under the Food and Drug Administration’s
(FDA) area of responsibility. The FDA has not approved the sale of GMO
salmon. Costco has not sold and does not intend to sell GMO salmon at
this time. –Sarah”
Costco will not, has not, or will ever sell GM salmon. Like others have said look around a little more. Go to the source. Quit trusting what others tell you.
How do you know the future? You don’t. Costco’s official blurb does NOT say that they do not intend to sell GM salmon if the FDA approves it. In other words, if it’s approved and Costco starts selling it, they will not have lied. They have said NOTHING that stops them from selling GM salmon the minute it’s approved. Similar to Whole Foods misinformation and psyops. Deceptive misinformation is not limited to politics.
Ms. Sarich: How are you able to make this statement, when Costco continues to state they are NOT going to sell GMO salmon? Have you even taken the time to speak with anyone at Costco? How about looking at their Facebook page and see their comments that state they are not going to sell GMO salmon. Such a shame. No research. Not even the tiniest bit.
She doesn’t care. She only is trying to spread fear and for no good reason.
Would love to see that draft that says our Canadian government says the GM0 salmon is not safe. Our Canadian government sees no problems with GMOS and glyphosate and our Health Minister even refuses to meet with a retired genetic engineer who worked for Health Canada for 30 years . Dr Thierry Vrain wrote an excellent paper outlining his concerns on the glyphosate issue ( roundup). Rona Ambrose refuses to meet with him. Health Canada raises allowable limits of glyphosate instead of taking a precautionary approach and listening to what the WHO says. WHO has announced it is a probable carcinogen.. I have a hard time believing Health Canada would give a warning on GMO salmon especially when our government has destroyed most of our scientific libraries and muzzled scientists in Canada.
What is your source for this information, Natural News? Costco headquarters said today that they have no plans to sell this salmon… Where are you getting this misinformation, Christina Sarich?
“Christina Sarich is a humanitarian” – she wants humans to unnecessarily pay more for nutritious seafood. Some humanitarian. Another environmentalist extremist that doesn’t understand science.
You people are idiots and pawns of corporate interests. You would rather see people starve instead of using more productive methods of food production. Blood is on your hands by restricting the ability to produce more food. Children in poor countries are staving to death!, ask them if they would eat gmos. Hypocrites!!! You fools would rather have us eat plant foods that use large amounts of pesticides and herbicides, that have proven toxic effects, instead of engineered crops that reduce use of toxic chemicals, that have no proven peer reviewed science of health risks.Your cause is funded by pesticide and hebicide companies who don’t want to loss chemical sales. And what about the depletion of wild fisheries? Overfishing pressures could be reduced, which is especially important with a keystone species like salmon. The entire ecosystem would benefit from larger wild sal.on populations.
Yo, Ms.Sarich, how about you “wake your sleepy little head” and get your facts correct before you jump into the mainstream media hype. Costco has stated several times that they WILL NOT be selling this product