Resolution on genetically modified salmon passes

JUNEAU (AP) — The Alaska Legislature has passed a resolution calling upon the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to further investigate the effects of producing genetically engineered salmon.

HJR5, by Rep. Geran Tarr of Anchorage, also asks the federal government to require labeling genetically modified salmon if it is to be sold. The Senate unanimously passed the resolution on Monday. It passed the House unanimously last month.

The resolution is in line with concerns that have been raised by Alaska’s congressional delegation.

FDA has released a draft finding that a genetically modified salmon that grows twice as fast as normal is unlikely to harm the environment. The draft assessment said it didn’t take into account the social, economic and cultural effects of introducing modified salmon into the marketplace.

— Staff and wire reports