Massive mobilization to counter the sale of GE salmon
Last week, the Federal Drug Administration approved the first genetically modified animal to be commercially sold and consumed nationwide. But instead of U.S. retailers taking favorably to the historic news, more than 60 supermarket chains are refusing to sell it in their storesâCostco now included.
The second-largest retailer in the world said in a recent statement that it hasnât sold and doesnât intend to sell the GMO salmon
The news comes nearly three months aftermore than 18,000 people sent letters to Costco stores across the nation urging the retailer to forgo selling the salmon created by AquaBounty Technologies. In June, a coalition composed of fishers, Costco customers, the Community Alliance for Global Justice, and other advocacy groups rallied outside the chain location nearest the companyâs Washington state headquarters and presented more than 300,000 petition signatures from nationwide organizations. At the time, Costco responded to the petition by saying it didnât plan to sell GMO salmonâand the chain has reaffirmed that stance in the wake of the FDA approval.
