Final answer:
The FDA took 19 years to approve AquaAdvantage salmon due to concerns about possible environmental impacts, such as the GMO salmon outcompeting native species if they escape. The safety of consuming GMOs is not a primary concern, as scientific consensus suggests they are safe to eat. The approval included strict measures to prevent escape and protect native salmon populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main concern why the FDA took 19 years to approve the commercialization of AquaAdvantage salmon, a genetically modified organism (GMO), centers on the environmental impact it could have on native salmon species. AquaAdvantage salmon was engineered to grow much faster than wild salmon. The concern arises that if these genetically engineered fish were to escape aquaculture facilities, they could outcompete native salmon for resources, potentially leading to the displacement of native species. This concern mirrors past experiences with other GMO introductions, such as the FlavrSavr Tomato, which was produced using molecular genetic technology to improve shelf life but encountered issues with cultivation and market acceptance.
Unlike traditional breeding techniques, GMOs involve direct manipulation of the organism's DNA, sparking controversy over their safety and environmental impact. Although the scientific consensus is that GMO foods, including AquaAdvantage salmon, are no more harmful to consume than their unmodified counterparts, the ecological risks of escaped GMOs are a significant consideration. The FDA's extensive review process reflects the agency's responsibility to mitigate such risks, which took into account potential impacts like hybridization with wild species and the spread of genes conferring a high growth rate. Thus, AquaAdvantage salmon was approved with strict containment measures to prevent escapes and protect wild salmon populations.