Latest news: FDA's approval of GMO salmon denounced

Costco, Red Lobster will not sell GMO salmon

Major grocery stores and restaurants say “no” to GMO salmon

On the heels of the FDA’s approval of GMO salmon, Costco Wholesale, the second largest retailer in the U.S., and one of the largest retailers of salmon and seafood in the U.S., joins more than 60 other supermarket chains, now totaling more than 9,500 stores nationwide, in making a commitment to not sell GMO salmon.

Do you want to eat genetically engineered salmon?

Three quarters of Americans surveyed in a New York Times poll said they would not eat genetically engineered fish, and 93 percent wanted GMO foods to be labeled. Polls show that 80 percent of Americans who regularly eat fish say sustainable practices are "important" or "very important" to them.

Nearly 2 million people -- including scientists, fishermen, business owners and consumers -- have written to the FDA in opposition to the approval of genetically engineered salmon and in response to AquaBounty's revised draft environmental assessment in 2013. Despite this outcry and robust scientific studies suggesting environmental and health risks, the FDA approved the GMO salmon. This is the first genetically engineered animal in the U.S. food supply and the FDA has said it will require it to be labeled, leaving consumers in the dark about what we are eating.

At least 35 species of genetically engineered fish are in development and the approval of genetically engineered salmon will set a precedent that could open the floodgates for other genetically engineered animals (including cows, chickens and pigs) to enter our food system.

To avoid confusion in the marketplace, and ensure the consumer’s right to know, we are asking grocery stores, seafood restaurants, chefs and seafood companies to demonstrate their commitment to sustainably produced seafood and consumer choice by joining our Pledge for GE-Free Seafood, a commitment to not knowingly purchase or sell genetically engineered salmon or other genetically engineered seafood should it come to market. Learn more about the risks to health, the environment and the fish industry posed by genetically engineered salmon here.

Nearly 60 major food retailers with more than 9,500 stores nationwide have already taken the Pledge for GE-Free Seafood or otherwise committed to not purchase or sell genetically engineered salmon, or any products containing genetically engineered salmon or seafood.

Resources and press releases:

Read more about the problems with genetically engineered fish in our issue brief.

Read the letter we sent to grocery stores asking them to sign the pledge.

Find the answers to frequently asked questions about genetically engineered fish.

Learn more about our other genetic engineering campaign efforts.

Read the letter from the Golden Gate Salmon Association thanking grocery stores for not selling GE seafood.

Press releases:

Costco, Red Lobster will not sell GMO salmon, November 24, 2015

FDA's approval of GMO salmon denounced, November 19, 2015

Consumers to Costco: Don't be the "GMO salmon store", August 31, 2015

Costco members, fishermen, environmental and labor groups demand Costco say "no" to GMO salmon, June 25, 2015

Consumer, environmental and labor groups ask Costco to reject GMO salmon, March 7, 2015

Documents reveal AquaBounty's irresponsible management prior to fines from environmental violations on GE salmon, November 19, 2014

Kroger, Safeway join trend away from GMO foods, March 3, 2014

Target, Giant Eagle, H-E-B, Meijer say no to genetically engineered salmon, May 29, 2013

Nearly 1.5 million objections to genetically engineered salmon filed with FDA, April 25, 2013

Top grocery stores: We won't sell genetically engineered seafood, March 20, 2013