Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski says she is willing to stall a Senate vote on the nomination of Robert Califf as FDA commissioner “until he and FDA agree to mandatory labeling requirements for the AquAdvantage salmon,” reports the Washington Post. The AquAdvantage salmon is the first genetically engineered food animal approved by the agency for human consumption. On the day it approved the salmon, the FDA proposed a system of voluntary labeling of foods containing GE salmon and a final “guidance” paper to food processors for voluntary labeling of food made from GE crops.
“Murkowski helped insert language last month in a massive federal spending bill, directing FDA to prevent the AquaBounty product from reaching the U.S. market until regulators finalize labeling guidelines,” said the Post. It quoted her as saying “voluntary labeling is not adequate” and “I’m going to be pushing for further conversations with Dr. Califf on this.” Murkowski spoke at a Senate Health Committee meeting during which members approved Califf’s nomination. Chairman Lamar Alexander of Tennessee said he hoped the Senate would vote soon on the nomination.