Is Genetically Altered Salmon Safe for Consumers- FDA Mulls Approval

If food safety organizations are to be believed, soon you may be eating "frankenfish" at a restaurant near you.  A company named AquaBounty has developed a new genetically engineered salmon which reportedly grows at twice the normal rate of farm raised salmon.  The company claims these fish would be mature faster and be able to go to market sooner, netting a higher profit for farmers.  But what about the amount of hormones and genetically altered foods we're putting in our bodies?  Is this safe for humans to consume? 

At least 30 Congressmen and 14 Senators say no, and have encouraged the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reject adding this salmon to the nation's food supply.  According to food industry watchdogs, Food & Water Watch, this genetically altered salmon is "full of downsides to consumers, salmon growers and the environment." 

Are Genetically Altered Foods Harmful to Consumers

There are many advocates for whole and natural foods, but to date, the effects of genetically modified salmon are largely unknown.  So what if the fish grows at a faster rate?  Well, there may be hidden dangers associated with consuming this fish that are only triggered later.  And there could be a danger that these fish may take over existing populations of fish in America much like the Asian Karp has. 

But more importantly, according to researchers such as Dr Michael Antoniou of King’s College London School of Medicine in England, laboratory animals fed genetically modified food experience harmful effects.  Part of the reason for this is the inherent pesticides.  Because of genetic engineering, many plants are now resistant to pesticides, causing farmers to use higher amounts and stronger chemicals.  These same chemicals have been linked to various cancers in farmers and growers. 

Additionally, genetically modified foods could pose a problem for new allergens.  As our food supply changes, many people's reactions will similarly change to these foods. Could this create new allergens and risk consumer health?

The Jury is Still Out

To date, the jury is still out.  The FDA has one final step to either approve the fish or reject it.  An approval would mean in 60 days, genetically altered salmon will be sitting on the supermarket shelves alongside the rest of your fish and you may never know the difference.  Consumers who find themselves injured because of food products such as this genetically engineered salmon should seek medical attention and contact a skilled product liability lawyer for advice.

New Study Claims Eating Healthy Can Improve Heart Health

This morning as I was reading the news, I came across a study, whose results should come as a surprise to no one.  A healthy diet can improve your health.  I'll pause for your shock to wear off.  But notably, the study claimed that when heart patients ate a healthy diet, they enjoyed better health benefits than medication. 

Heart patients who ate healthy diets enjoyed significant and traceable heart benefits.  This included:

• 35% reduction in death 
• 14% reduction in risk of heart attack
• 28% reduction of heart failure
• 19% reduction of stroke

Recommendations for a Healthy Heart

This study, conducted out of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, recommended a healthy diet rich in the following foods, among others: 

• fresh herbs instead of salts and spices 
• black beans with heart healthy folate, antioxidants, magnesium, and fiber
• red wine with healthy antioxidants
• salmon with omega-3's which may helpt to regulate heart beats
• tuna with similar omega- 3 power
• extra- virgin olive oil with both antioxidants and monosaturated fats
• walnuts, which can help to lower cholesterol and reduce artery inflammation
• almonds, which help to lower cholesterol and diabetes risk
• edamame which help to lower blood triglycerides 
• tofu, which is rich in many kinds of heart healthy fats, fibers, protein, you name it
• sweet potatoes, which are low in glycemic index 

Try asking your doctor for the full list.  There are many kinds of foods which can help you to attack heart disease.  Perhaps if people begin eating healthier, they can avoid the complications associated with many heart medications.

Heart Medications Can Have Severe Complications

It's no secret that there are a variety of medicines on the market which can hurt patients more than they could help them, depending upon the drug and the unique circumstances.  Among the drugs cited as dangerous is Pradaxa, an anti-coagulant blood thinner taken to prevent blood clots and stroke.  However, this drug does not have a reversal agent, making it extremely dangerous to someone who may fall and hit their head.  Potentially, patients could experience fatal bleed outs as a result.

If eating healthy could prevent the need for potentially deadly medications, shouldn't it at least be a consideration for heart patients?  For patients who have instead gone the route of medication, if you have suffered an injury as the result of your heart medication, you may be entitled to compensation.  Try calling a skilled product liability and personal injury attorney to discuss your case.