April 15, 2013 — Despite the controversy concerning the possible sale of genetically modified (GM) salmon in the United States — NGOs are now lobbying supermarkets not to carry it — consumers there are already eating farmed fish fed genetically modified ingredients.
Species such as tilapia and pangasius imported from Southeast Asia, and quite possibly other species from other parts of the world as well, have in all likelihood been fed manufactured diets containing GM soya.
According to industry sources, the use of GM soya in fish feed is widespread and is generally, if quietly, accepted. One fisheries consultant says it is very difficult to obtain non-GM soya anyway. “There is no natural (non-genetically modified) soya to be found anywhere.”
However, Skretting, which claims to be the world leader in the production and supply of feed for farmed fish and shrimp, says it is able to source the non-GM soya it needs from Brazil. Although it appears that this could only be required for European customers.
According to Marit Husa, communications manager, Skretting companies in Europe do not use GM ingredients in feed whenever it is requested by customers.
Norwegian aquaculture feeds manufacturer, EWOS said more or less the same.
Read the full story at Seafood Source