US FDA Approves Wildtype Lab-Grown Salmon for Public Consumption

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Wildtype's lab-grown coho salmon, marking the first-ever clearance of lab-cultured fish for public consumption in the United States. This approval was granted after a voluntary pre-market safety consultation based solely on Wildtype's internal safety data, without independent testing or long-term studies, leading to significant criticism from food safety experts who argue the process lacked sufficient oversight. Wildtype's sushi-grade salmon, designed to be eaten raw, is currently available at the Kann restaurant in Portland, Oregon, with plans to expand to additional restaurants and eventually nationwide. Critics express concerns about the potential health risks and deceptive marketing, as the product is branded to suggest it is wild-caught, while supporters highlight its sustainability and potential to reduce overfishing. The FDA's decision contrasts with recent health agency reforms, such as the firing of the CDC's advisory committee by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who aims to address conflicts of interest and restore public trust in health science. The approval has sparked debate on the balance between innovation and consumer safety in the emerging field of cellular agriculture.