ALBANY — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday announced its approval of the first U.S. facility for production of genetically engineered salmon.
However, an "import alert" for genetically engineered salmon remains in place, preventing U.S. production for now.
"With the facility now approved, commercial production of AquAdvantage Salmon awaits only official labeling guideline by the FDA," AquaBounty Technologies, Maynard, Mass., said in a news release.
Shannon Henry, a Delaware County Commissioner, was quoted in the news release as saying: “We are extremely excited that a cutting-edge aquaculture company like AquaBounty chose Delaware County to grow their operation. The jobs being created at this facility and large capital investment is welcome news. We will continue to support their efforts.”
The company's CEO, Ron Stotish, said, “This is another milestone in our journey to bring our healthy and sustainable salmon to consumers. We are very pleased the FDA has continued their rigorous science-based review process and approved our application on its merits.
"Our Albany facility is within a few hours' drive of major markets in Indianapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus, Louisville, and St. Louis, providing us with tremendous opportunity for growth. We still have work to do before we can start production, but we take great pride in this latest accomplishment.”
AquaBounty Technologies purchased for $14 million last year a defunct fish farm in Albany where perch, trout and salmon had been raised.