Murkowski Hold on FDA Nominee Continues Despite FDA Import Alert on 'Frankenfish'
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, praised the Food and Drug Administration’s temporary ban on imports of genetically engineered (GE) salmon, but is continuing her hold on the confirmation of Dr. Robert Califf to serve as FDA commissioner, Murkowski's office said. Murkowski is one of three senators that are holding up confirmation.
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Murkowski blocked the nominee's advancement toward confirmation, saying she would lift the hold upon resolution of her concerns regarding U.S. labeling of GE salmon. “Right now, she’s keeping her hold until she’s able to work through specific plans with the FDA to assure that there is, in fact, a plan in place to label ‘Frankenfish,’ or GE salmon,” a Murkowski spokeswoman said. FDA’s Jan. 29 import alert (here) says GE salmon will not be introduced to interstate commerce until the agency publishes final labeling guidance for informing consumers of such content.
In a statement (here), Murkowski’s office said the FDA’s action was a “direct result” of language she inserted in the fiscal 2016 omnibus bill that blocks the agency from delivering GE salmon into the market until it publishes labeling guidelines. FDA on Nov. 24 had announced draft guidance on the labeling of GE salmon (see 1511230056). “This is a huge step in our fight against ‘Frankenfish,’” Murkowski said. “I adamantly oppose the FDA’s misguided decision to allow GE salmon to be placed in our kitchens and on our tables, and I firmly believe that mandatory labeling guidelines must be put in place as soon as possible so consumers know what it is they are purchasing. It seems that the FDA has begun to listen, and I hope this is a sign that the agency plans to develop these necessary guidelines.”