FFC Urges Safeway To Safeguard From Genetically Engineered Salmon

Along with other members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, FFC urges Safeway to formally commit to not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered (GE) salmon or GE seafood, even if approved by the FDA. GE Salmon, engineered to reach market in half the time as conventionally raised salmon, is likely to receive FDA approval in the near future and become the first GE animal approved for human consumption.

More than 300 organizations submitted letters to the FDA voicing concerns regarding environmental and health risks associated with GE salmon, which include the threat of gene contamination and susceptibility to disease that could spread to consumers. Over 400,000 members of the general public have also expressed opposition to an FDA approval. Furthermore, given that the FDA has already acknowledged it will not require GE labeling, consumers will face challenges in avoiding the risks associated with GE salmon. Safeway has the opportunity to act with precaution, champion transparency and avoid consumer backlash through a formal commitment.

In doing so, Safeway would join Target, Meijer, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and nearly 5000 other grocery stores that have already committed to this responsibility. In 2011, Safeway committed to having all fresh and frozen seafood be responsibly caught or raised, or from sources in the process of making credit improvements, by 2015. As socially responsible investors concerned about both the health and environmental risks posed by GE seafood and the business implications of supporting products largely opposed by the public, we urge Safeway to go beyond expressing it doesn’t plan on carrying GE salmon and formally commit to not knowingly buy or sell GE salmon or GE seafood.

To read the letter and to learn more about concerns associated with GE salmon, click here: