Frankensalmon? Several Grocery Chains Reportedly Say They Won't Sell It

Several grocery chains -- including one with a store in Edmonds -- have reportedly agreed not to sell genetically engineered salmon as the fish near approval by the Food and Drug Administration, reports seattlepi.com.

A coalition of environmental and consumer groups announced Wednesday they have secured promises from several grocery chains not to carry the fish -- often called "Frankenfish" or "Frankensalmon" -- including Trader Joe’s, PCC Natural Markets and Whole Foods in Washington.

PCC has a store in Edmonds and there are Whole Foods and Trader Joe's stores nearby in Lynnwood. Most of the larger supermarket chains are not participating in the agreement.

The genetically engineered fish are from AquaBounty Technologies of Massachusetts, which says they grow twice as fast as natural salmon but are safe, sustainable and in all other respects “identical to other Atlantic salmon.”

If approved they would be the first transgenic animal to enter America’s food supply. They have received preliminary federal approval, with a public comment period open until April 26.

For the seattlepi.com story, click here.