Costco Joins a Host of Retailers Refusing to Sell GMO Salmon

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Take Part

The second-largest retailer in the world is now one of more than 60 U.S. supermarket chains rejecting the laboratory fish.

Nicole Mormann

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 stores—Costco now included.

The second-largest retailer in the world—Walmart is the first—said in a recent statement that it hasn’t sold and doesn’t intend to sell the GMO salmon.

The news comes nearly three months after more 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 company’s 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 didn’t plan to sell GMO salmon—and the chain has reaffirmed that stance in the wake of the FDA approval.

Costco joins supermarket chains including Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Safeway, and Kroger in promising not to sell the genetically modified fish, according to environmental group Friends of the Earth.

FULL story at link.

Nicole Mormann is TakePart's editorial fellow. She covers a variety of topics, including social justice, entertainment, lifestyle, and environment.





Read more: http://www.takepart.com/article/2015/11/25/gmo-salmon-costco?cmpid=tpdaily-eml-2015-11-25-Costco

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Related: For the First Time Ever, the FDA Will Allow a GMO Animal to Be Sold in the U.S.: http://www.takepart.com/article/2015/11/19/fda-approves-gmo-salmon

[geomon666]

1. Cool

I'll just buy it somewhere else.

[Xipe Totec]

2. It is your right. Proceed, citizen. nt

[geomon666]

3. Thank you

[Xipe Totec]

6. Not that you need my permission, you understand.

[HuckleB]

7. So why point out his rights, uh, since he already knows his rights?

[Xipe Totec]

8. Because I also have a right to express myself. And don't need a reason or permission. nt

[HuckleB]

9. So you just post for the sake of posting all over the board?

[villager]

10. Kinda like... these last two posts of yours!

[HuckleB]

14. Nice try.

I call you out on baseless posting, and you think my call is baseless posting.

We're all bored now.

[villager]

15. It is indeed boring, since it's all so entirely predictable, my dear HuckleB. Good holidays to ya..!

Be well.

[HuckleB]

34. Indeed, it is predictable.

The reality that the anti-GMO movement has nothing but unsupported claims that it repeats ad nauseum, etc... it's just like dealing with climate change denial, anti-vaccine people, and the like.

[villager]

37. So reliable, HuckleB! Happy Thanksgiving to you!

[HuckleB]

45. I am reliable, yes.

http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/anti-environmental-opposition-to-gmo-salmon/#more-8628

[villager]

46. Reliably quoting Dr. Novella's one-man crusade/"skeptic" blog, to boot! Happy Cyber Monday!

[HuckleB]

51. Yes, one man, reporting the full consensus of the scientific community.

Last edited Wed Dec 2, 2015, 08:04 PM - Edit history (1)

Indeed. He's a good human, and it's time more people at DU recognized that.

And then there's you, posting anti-science nonsense for Erin Brockovich, which is just bizarre.

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/fire-in-the-mind/2013/03/21/erin-brockovich/#.Vl-GMXarQdU

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/fire-in-the-mind/2013/06/19/the-cancer-chronicles-debunking-brockovich/#.Vl-GnHarQdW

You do realize that she also spreads baseless anti-fluoridation nonsense, fought against the vaccine law in California, etc... right?

[villager]

56. Skeptical of everything and everyone except... corporate PR!

And again, Happy Cyber Monsan-- er, Monday, HuckleB!

[HuckleB]

63. So now you go to your usual routine of putting words in my mouth.

Your decision to attribute things to me that are not true is truly lame.

[villager]

65. Thanks for keeping this kicked, HuckleB!

Glad more will be able to see CostCo's responsible skepticism in the face of salmon-turned-into-industrial-products by our ever-growing "Foodstuffs" corporations...

[HuckleB]

67. You really don't like it when I point out the reality that Costco is not acting responsibly.

In fact, it is doing the opposite. And this post has been around long enough, that anyone who actually clicks on it out of curiosity, is more likely to discover the responses that show the ridiculous nature of Costco's marketing tactic than anything else. They've already seen the fear mongering headline.

[villager]

68. I agree it would be more responsible if they eliminated antibiotic-laden meats, as well

There is much more work to do, but good for this first step.

Thanks again for keeping this kicked.

[HuckleB]

69. Now you're convoluting issues in order to make them seem comparable.

Why I am not surprised.

[villager]

70. Thanks, as ever, for the increased visibility to this thread, Dear HuckleB!

[HuckleB]

71. No problem.

The more people see how vacant, and obviously focused on promoting bad propaganda, the anti-GMO responses are, the better off the planet will be.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-people-oppose-gmos-even-though-science-says-they-are-safe/

[villager]

72. Wow, and a late-breaking concern for systemic, planetary health as well!

Misdirected, to be sure, but it's a starting point!

Good holidays!

[HuckleB]

73. It's just a restatement of what's already been made clear.

Last edited Thu Dec 3, 2015, 04:11 PM - Edit history (2)

Nice attempt at pretending otherwise, though.

Anti-GMO propaganda is really, really bad fiction
http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/7-propaganda-talking-points-against-gmos/

A genetically modified salmon is just a fish
http://montrealgazette.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-a-genetically-modified-salmon-is-just-a-fish

[villager]

74. And your insistence on always having the last (misplaced, alas) word makes further visible

...this scintillating conversation!

[Xipe Totec]

16. Is there a law against that? Are you the sherif? If so, arrest me if you can, lawman. nt

[HuckleB]

17. So you have no point.

Thanks for clarifying.

[Xipe Totec]

18. Ah, an attention whore. Off to the ignore list with you. nt

[HuckleB]

23. Now that is funny!

[LanternWaste]

47. For the same reason it was pointed out to us that he'll simply buy it somewhere else.

For the same reason the irrelevancy and banality of him purchasing it somewhere else was pointed out.

Six of one, half a dozen of the other.

[HuckleB]

52. Oh, goodness.

In other words, you don't like facing the reality that there is no reason for Costco to not carry the fish, other than baseless fear. You do realize that was the point of the first response, right?

[Gormy Cuss]

61. There is no evidence to support your claim regarding the first post.

geomon666 (6,675 posts)
1. Cool

I'll just buy it somewhere else.

All that a careful person could conclude from that post is that geomon666 is comfortable with buying it. By inference one could suggest that geomon666 is buying it for personal consumption but there are other reasons for purchase like feeding it to the cats or using it as a the base for a fish-based plant food emulsion, thus it's an inference only.

[HuckleB]

64. Actually, this is not that difficult.

If he's going to buy it somewhere else, it's because he knows it's safe, and that Costco's act is not viable.

PS: A genetically modified salmon is just a fish
http://montrealgazette.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-a-genetically-modified-salmon-is-just-a-fish

[HuckleB]

60. Smart stores will market it honestly as a fish with a smaller ecological footprint.

Last edited Wed Dec 2, 2015, 07:16 PM - Edit history (1)

One has to wonder why any store would not want to sell this fish.

PS:
http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2015/07/are_gmos_safe_yes_the_case_against_them_is_full_of_fraud_lies_and_errors.html

[SoapBox]

4. Excellent.

[HuckleB]

5. I like how Costco treats employees, but I still don't buy their salmon.

It's generally lower quality, as it is.

This probably won't change that. And I will buy this salmon. It is safe, and possibly good in terms of environmental impact. So, why wouldn't I buy it? I am progressive, after all.

[villager]

11. Good! Thanks, Costco for resisting "Soylent Fish"

nt

[Blue_In_AK]

12. Another reason to love Costco.

[TexasBushwhacker]

42. And they were closed for Thanksgiving n/t

[Marrah_G]

13. good

let's hope these never escape the farms

[Major Nikon]

26. They are unable to reproduce with other salmon

[skepticscott]

32. Stop confusing things

with facts.

Irrational fear-mongering can't withstand that.

[7962]

19. Now if they stop selling meat with hormones & antibiotics,we're making progress

Unless they're already doing that.

[HuckleB]

24. Can you clarify your concerns with peer-reviewed supporting documentation?

So we understand what you're talking about?

Thanks.

[7962]

30. Plenty. How much time you got to read them?

Here's a little overview to show how the industry tries to coverup anything negative.
http://www.motherjones.com/files/a_focus_on_antimicrobial_resistance.pdf

Antibiotics dont get removed in water treatment facilities. Fish are now being caught that have antibiotics in them. Why do you think we're having so much trouble with things like MRSA (assuming you've heard of it killing people)?

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20071016/more-us-deaths-from-mrsa-than-aids
http://www.cdc.gov/narms/faq.html
http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/pdf/ar-threats-2013-508.pdf
http://www.hhs.gov/asl/testify/2010/04/t20100428b.html

[HuckleB]

31. So you have nothing directly relate to this fish.

Just general concerns about the industry itself. If that is your overriding concern, then you should be advocating against all fish, not this particular one.

[7962]

38. "General concerns?". I thought you asked about antibiotics and hormones

I provided proof that this is a problem. Not a "general concern". Studies that show its the wrong road to go down.

[HuckleB]

44. No, I didn't.

WOW!

Try to stay on topic, please.

http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/anti-environmental-opposition-to-gmo-salmon/#more-8628

[skepticscott]

20. What, no bullshit scare tactics

about glyphosate being used on GMO salmon? I thought that was the standard talking point for all anti-GMO rants nowadays..

[HuckleB]

25. Nah. Now it's just "GMO is EVIL. Yeah! Costco!"

Somehow, we get to bash the GOP for their silly anti-science nonsense, but some of us don't mind spreading it in other ways.

[winterwar]

21. Awesome

Love Costco, have many friends that worked there and love it. And I don't eat GMO foods. This GMO salmon seems extremely rushed to me.

[HuckleB]

28. 20 years of research is "rushed."

Oh, goodness.

[bvar22]

39. Oh Goody!

Last edited Mon Nov 30, 2015, 06:08 PM - Edit history (1)

You must be the one who can point me to Long Term Studies conducted by several, independent research facilities that have published papers in Peer Reviewed Scientific Journals detailing the long term effects of these lab created foods on our health and the health of our environment.


I'll wait.

[HuckleB]

43. Ah, and then the goal post game continues.

You cannot come up with one concern about this fish that would not be a concern about every other type of plant or animal change over time.

It's time to pay attention.
http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/anti-environmental-opposition-to-gmo-salmon/#more-8628

[bvar22]

49. There you go again.

You ducked and dodged like a child playing Dodge Ball.
Yo FAILED to answer the question.
Here, I'll help freshen your memory:

You must be the one who can point me to Long Term Studies conducted by several, independent research facilities that have published papers in Peer Reviewed Scientific Journals detailing the long term effects of these lab created foods on our health and the health of our environment.

I asked for an independent, peer reviewed Scientific Journal on the Long Term Effects of GMO on ourselves and the environment.
You FAILED, and posted a link to a blog.



Some day, when the blockages fall out of your ears, I'll tell you WHY there are no independent long term studies on GMO.
Until then, live happily with the people who gave you Agent Orange.
They said that was "safe" too.
You keep strange friends on blind faith that have already LIED to you, and killed THOUSANDS.

I prefer the SCIENCE and independently reviewed Journals. Monsanto has produced NONE.

[HuckleB]

53. I see you've chosen to ignore the reality presented to you.

That means you are the one who is ducking and dodging.

Please try to discuss things with a bit more of an actual open mind and eyes.

Thank you.

[bvar22]

57. ...and another FAIL.

You can't find any independent research, can you? LOL.

Would you like to know why?
I KNOW why.
You do NOT.

BTW: In 2006, my wife & I moved to the Woods, far away from Industry and Factory Ag Crops. We raise most of our own food, and keep chickens & honeybees. Naturally, ALL GMOs, as well as non-naturally occurring pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are forever banned from our little hilltop.
The Bees are happy.
The crops are happy and productive,
and WE are happy.
The taste is AMAZING, we have never been healthier. My wife is a two times cancer survivor who has been in complete remission since we moved here.

YOU keep eating what Monsanto tells you to eat like a good "citizen". LOL. You deserve it.

You must be the one who can point me to Long Term Studies conducted by several, independent research facilities that have published papers in Peer Reviewed Scientific Journals detailing the long term effects of these lab created foods on our health and the health of our environment.

Can't do it, can you.

The really laughable part is that those on DU carrying water for Monsanto and pushing GMOs...NONE can produce independent, peer reviewed, research published in a credible Scientific Journal,
and YET, almost to the man, claim they believe in "SCIENCE", but don't have the first clue about independent research and peer reviewed Journals.. They just repeat what Monsanto tells them to repeat.

So....can't find any peer reviewed independent long term research can you? Remember, these are the same guys who insisted Agent Orange was "safe".
MAN, you are trusting.


Can you find the little lady?


AWWW> Too bad. You missed, but were close.
Lets do it again , double or nothing, you're SURE to win this time:


Here...one more time. Everybody wins on the 3rd time.
Find the little lady:



Aww...too bad again.,
but I'm gonna give you a chance to win all your money back:
Find the Little Lady.

[HuckleB]

58. Ah, another fail.

Use of an anecdote promoting the naturalistic fallacy is just too much.

It's really time for you to get out of your fantasy world. You are promoting an ideology that is actually harmful.

This newly approved salmon is less expensive and has a smaller ecological footprint than other farmed salmon. The fact that you find that bad tells me everything I need to know about your ideology.

[bvar22]

62. Imitation is the most sincere formof flattery.

To those reading this thread, the above poster has FAILED numerous times to produce the requested Long term, Independent, Peer Reviewed
Research published in a Scientific Journal,
but is too embarrassed to ask WHY none is available.

TRUST IN MONSANTO.
THEY gave us Agent Oranges.
They insisted Agent Orange was SAFE too,
but whatever you do, NEVER ask them for independent , peer reviewed research. Take Monsanto on their Good Faith and Reputation, and feed it to your kids.

[HuckleB]

66. You would have to have posted actual content, rather than the usual demonization whims.

To have earned any flattery.

Somehow, you are now off on a Monsanto diversion. It's really predictable.

[Hekate]

22. Proud Costco member here. nt

[HuckleB]

27. Translation: Costco Goes With Fear-Based Marketing, Still Sells E-coli Laden Chicken

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10141271296

[benh57]

29. +1

Preach it.

Anti-GMO zealotry is the Climate Change Denial of the Left.

[LanternWaste]

48. I'd pretend as much too if it were an offense to my own biases.

I'd pretend as much too if it were an offense to my own biases. Our own conclusions are so much more self-validating that the Statement of Purpose set by Costco itself.

Though no doubt, the myopic and dogmatic will see that very SoP as evidence contrary to itself as well... looking forward to it!

[HuckleB]

55. So you want us to ignore the clear science of the matter?

Last edited Thu Dec 3, 2015, 04:12 PM - Edit history (1)

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2015/11/genetically_engineered_aquabounty_salmon_safe_fda_decides.html

http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/anti-environmental-opposition-to-gmo-salmon/

http://montrealgazette.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-a-genetically-modified-salmon-is-just-a-fish

Or you think the clear science of the matter is all about bias? And yet the conspiracy fear mongering about this fish is clear headed? Really?

[Floyd Steinberg]

35. Good!

We buy our salmons from Costco and grill it. It's good!

[NickB79]

36. So they'll just keep selling conventionally raised salmon that is already killing ocean life?

http://www.alternet.org/story/142270/how_farm-raised_salmon_are_turning_our_oceans_into_dangerous_and_polluted_feedlots

Only about 10 percent of salmon on the market in the U.S. is actually wild these days Alex Trent, executive director of the industry group Salmon of the Americas, told the New York Times.

If this were a few years ago, your farm-raised salmon would have come from Chile, but since a disease outbreak has crashed the industry there, the U.S. has looked elsewhere for imports. If you're on the West Coast your farmed salmon is most likely from British Columbia, and if you're elsewhere in the U.S. it's probably from either Norway, Ireland or Scotland. And that's actually a bad thing -- for more than just food miles.

While salmon "farming" conjures an agrarian image, the industry is more akin to CAFOs -- the concentrated animal feeding operations -- used by the industrial meat industry that is responsible for most of the chicken, burgers and pork that Americans consume. They're also responsible for a lot of waste and pollution that comes with raising a whole bunch of creatures in a confined space.

The farmed-salmon industry, which raises the fish in floating "pens," has some striking similarities to CAFOs. The industry was jump-started a few decades ago, and it was initially seen as a great boon for wild salmon, which have been decimated by dams, pollution and invasive species.

Granted, these GM salmon would be raised in the same kinds of farms. BUT, the fact that they grow so much more rapidly and convert so much more food to meat mass (25% greater efficiency, and able to live off a higher percentage of plant-based feed vs regular salmon) means you could theoretically grow as much fish as we currently consume with far fewer, smaller farms.

[Sunlei]

40. fish farmed, oversized, lardbag GMO hogfish

[NickB79]

41. 90% of salmon are already farm-raised

And the extra size is due to increased food-to-meat conversion efficiency, so they use less food per pound to grow.

If anything, regular salmon are the "hogfish", given their low feed efficiency and slower growth rate.

[madokie]

50. GMO's is not selective breeding

as some otherwise smart people have alluded to it being. My question is what is the gmo of the salmon, what gene did they splice in and for what reason?

Bill Nye and Neil Degrasse Tyson being two of those I mention.

[HuckleB]

54. This explains it quite well.

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2015/11/genetically_engineered_aquabounty_salmon_safe_fda_decides.html

[HuckleB]

59. This fish utilizes fewer resources, so it's less expensive, with a smaller ecological footprint.

Last edited Thu Dec 3, 2015, 04:13 PM - Edit history (3)

The demonization of this fish is not logical. Why are environmental groups screwing up their message with the constant, baseless attacks on GMOs? It is going to backfire, big time.

http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/11/19/456634593/fda-says-genetically-modified-salmon-is-safe-to-eat

A genetically modified salmon is just a fish
http://montrealgazette.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-a-genetically-modified-salmon-is-just-a-fish