The number of retailers that have pledged not to market and sell genetically engineered (GE) salmon is up to almost 80, according to the latest figures shared by Friends of the Earth U.S. and a coalition of 30 other consumer, health, food safety and fishing groups.
Albertsons Companies – owner of Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, ACME, Shaw’s and other grocery store chains – is one of the latest retail giants to make a commitment not to sell GE salmon.
“Albertsons Companies, and its family of stores, have no plans to carry GE salmon. The seafood products we offer will continue to be selected consistent with our responsible seafood policy and our partnership with FishWise," Albertsons Companies Senior Vice President Jonathan Mayes wrote in an emailed statement.
The grocery enterprise joins Walmart, Publix, Costco, Kroger, Target, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, as well as Red Lobster and Legal Sea Foods, in barring GE salmon sales in their stores and restaurants.
"The growing number of commitments from retailers demonstrates there is no market for GMO salmon,” said Dana Perls, senior food and technology campaigner with Friends of the Earth.
Albertsons’ announcement and the release of the updated retail list come after Canada approved GE salmon products as safe to sell following a four-year review, last week. The United States also approved the sale of GE salmon products in November 2015, but the country's food regulators have put an import ban in place until labeling standards are established.
A full list of the retailers that have committed to not selling GE salmon can be found here.
