Chuck Norris Speaks Out Against FDA’s GM Salmon

By Amanda Froelich

The actor and activist will NOT be eating genetically modified fish, and he’s not alone.

This isn’t the first time activist and actor Chuck Norris has shared his thoughts on the topic of Monsanto and Frankenfoods. Earlier this year, Norris, who is better known for his role in films like Return of the Dragon and the television series Walker, Texas Ranger, spoke out about the rampant use of glyphosate and its detrimental effects.

Glyphosate, which has been found to be “probably carcinogenic” by the World Health Organization, is linked to a number of debilitating illnesses, yet is still used prevalently in the United States.

Many people are unaware how food is raised and, therefore, are consuming glyphosate (used in herbicides) in conventionally grown foods – especially GMO corn and soy.

This time, Norris is speaking out against the FDA’s approval of genetically modified salmon. He voices what many consumers are thinking in his piece titled “Chuck Norris’s stream of thought on GMO salmon,” and breaks down the difference between ‘safe’ and ‘generally recognized as safe’.

Norris certainly won’t be eating genetically modified salmon, and he’s not alone.

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The activist gives a remarkably observant commentary on AquaBounty’s GM salmon being given the go-ahead by the FDA.

He says:

Is it just me, or do you also see a big difference between something being ‘generally recognized as safe,’ and something being ‘safe’?

Alison Van Eenennaam, a biotechnology specialist at the University of California, Davis, was part of the AquaBounty Technologies scientific evaluation and states that ‘nothing in the data suggested that these fish were in any way unsafe.’

What about dangers to human health that are not anticipated by this particular scientific evaluation? Or the long-term impacts that introducing new, hybrid species could have on the environment, in ways that are unpredictable?

I won’t be eating GMO fish, if and when it’s available. I’m not alone. In 2013, a New York Times poll found that three-quarters of Americans would not eat genetically modified fish. An earlier 2010 poll by NPR found that 65 percent of respondents said they wouldn’t try such fish. Following the FDA announcement, more than 60 grocery store chains have promised not to sell the fish.”

Norris notes that demand for “natural” and “organic” food continues to grow. In fact, both labels have increased in sales by more than 24% during the past two years, according to a Nielsen survey. In addition, nearly half of all who took part in the survey said natural ingredients and GMO-free foods are very important.

This is just one more reason anything containing genetically-modified ingredients needs to be labeled, that way consumers can make informed decisions on what they purchase and consume.

“Designated “frankenfish” by detractors, this genetically altered fish not only grows twice as fast as ordinary farmed salmon, but also consumes more to support its growth-inducing genes. They also show some reduced immune functions. Though some fear that it will soon be served in restaurants, as well as appearing at your local fish counter, industry experts believe there will be no immediate impact on consumers.”

When you alter the DNA of any animal – including factory-produced hens and grain-fed cattle shot up with antibiotics and growth hormones – effects will be witnessed in those who consume their products. If you don’t feed animals nutritious food they are designed to consume, their nutrient profile decreases, they become obese, and hormones are stored in their fatty tissue which affects the endocrine system of those who consume them. These issues and more are being overlooked by many.

Norris agrees with Scott Faber, the executive director of Just Label it, who argues that the FDA’s lack of labeling requirements outdated policies continue to keep consumers in the dark about what they are eating.

If you’re inspired to join Chuck in his fight against GM fish, support him by sending messages to his Twitter account @chucknorris and his Facebook “Official Chuck Norris Page.”

What are your thoughts? Comment below and share this news!

Image Credit: mrctv.org

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Explore our other articles on GM Salmon. Also see:

FDA Drops GMO Salmon Approval Bomb As Media Spins Argument And Jokes

Are Salmon Dying From Hot Water In Northwestern Rivers, Or Could It Be Something Else?