Retailers Pledge Not to Sell GE Salmon

WASHINGTON — Aldi, Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s Co. are among retailers who have pledged not to sell genetically engineered salmon or other seafood, according to a new advocacy campaign.

The Campaign for Genetically Engineered-Free Seafood — a coalition formed by the Consumers Union, Friends of the Earth and other groups — also announced support from Marsh Supermarkets, PCC Natural Markets and co-ops in California, Kansas, Minnesota and New York.

The pledges come in response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s ongoing review of the first GE salmon, produced by AquaBounty Technologies.

“We won't sell genetically engineered fish because we don’t believe it is sustainable or healthy," PCC spokesperson Trudy Bialic said in a statement. "It is troubling that the FDA is recommending approval of AquaBounty’s salmon as a ‘new animal drug,’ subjecting these engineered creatures to less rigorous safety standards than food additives. That’s not a credible safety assessment.”

Retailers who have signed on to the cause so far represent over 2,000 stores nationwide. According to the campaign, retailers have expressed support by either signing its Pledge for GE-Free Seafood, emailing Friends of the Earth directly, or through public statements or public corporate policies.

The group seeks to gain commitments against the sale of GE seafood from other retailers, restaurants, chefs and seafood companies.