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

Several grocery chains -- including three with stores near Renton -- 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.

None of those chains have stores in Renton, but there is a Trader Joe's in Issaquah, PCC Markets in Issaquah and the Beacon Hill area of Seattle, and Whole Foods in Bellevue and on 1st Avenue South in Seattle.

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.