‘Frankenfish’ tentatively OK’d by FDA

In keeping with its history of obfuscation and deception regarding genetically engineered (GE) “food,” the FDA announced its tentative approval for “Frankenfish” late on the Friday afternoon before the Christmas holiday. [” ‘Frankenfish’ moves closer to dinner tables,” News, Dec. 22.] Great way to sneak the news by the American People.

Frankenfish would be the first GE animals to enter our food supply. If FDA’s safety testing of the fish was anything like its testing of GE plants, we have much to fear.

Back in the early 1990s, the FDA approved GE plants for human consumption, despite opposition by the overwhelming majority of its own scientists, who believed that safety testing had been grossly inadequate. Why? Because the biotech industry had manipulated the Bush administration into appointing Monsanto lawyer Michael Taylor to oversee the approval process. Once the dirty deed was done, Taylor went back to Monsanto as a vice president.

Well, guess who’s back at the FDA as President Obama’s “Food Czar”? You guessed it: Michael Taylor. With the cozy relationship between the biotech industry and the FDA, we must be very skeptical about FDA claims that any GE “food” is safe.

The FDA will have a 60-day comment period before final approval of the Frankenfish. Flood the FDA with comments. Let’s also flood our senators’ and representatives’ offices with letters and phone calls. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, is leading the Senate fight against Frankenfish. Let’s call her office and offer our support.

Let’s do whatever it takes to stop this now, because once these “fish” are out in the ocean, it will be too late.

Maggie Willson, Seattle

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