FDA Considers Genetically Engineered Salmon

Farmers have been playing with the genes of crops and livestock forever; plants and animals are routinely crossbred to promote or weed out certain characteristics in the offspring generation. But we've entered an age when scientists can remove the breeding step and alter the genes directly. It's that missing step that gives many people pause.

Genetically modified crops are commonplace in the U.S.. But, to date, a genetically engineered animal has not yet appeared on the American dinner plate. That soon may change.

The Food and Drug Administration is considering a bio-engineered salmon created by a Waltham company, AquaBounty Technologies. The fish, called AquAdvantage salmon, grows twice as fast as regular salmon.

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