Genetically modified plant products (GMPP) in feed for Atlantic salmon - A follow-up study on physiological responses and DNA traceability.

During the initial five-year period (1996-2001) when genetically modified (GM) crops were first adapted, the global planting area of GM crops increased rapidly and especially in USA, Argentina and Canada. Among the crop plants that accounts for the larges t planting area, are maize and soybeans. Because of this it has become more difficult to obtain GM-free plant products such as full fat soybean meal and maize gluten for the fish feed producers, and as proven from the Norwegian feed surveillance program ( 2004), 95% of fish feed in Norway contains GM soybeans (type RR) and / or maize (several bt types) at low but detectable levels (NIFES 2004). With the ongoing search for alternative feed ingredients, it is mandatory to reach a satisfactory basis of knowle dge before GMPPs are adapted commercially to a larger extent. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that the developed expertise and novel methodology established at NIFES, NVI and NVH within the area of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) through the NRC project (142474/140), is maintained. There is also a need for more basic knowledge regarding biological effects at the molecular level when animal and man is exposed to GMOs, however such studies were beyond the scope of the ongoing NRC project that w ill finish in 2005, due to limited money resources besides already planned activity. As new knowledge has been gained when feeding salmon GMOs, as well as rats fed GMOs plant crops or salmon fillets grown on GMO diets, this consortium, together with the EU-program "Aquamax" (6th EU-Framework), has the possibility to expand necessary investigations within the area of GM. GM is according to the feed industry, at present one of the major limitations of larger plant inclusions in fish diets. The present pro ject will be closely linked to the EU-program Aquamax, also focussing transgenic fish diets (priority 5 "Food Safety").