Dr. Califf’s appointment has been a contentious one, especially when you consider that in 2014 alone, he collected more than $100,000 in fees from Big Pharma. He’s had financial ties to Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, and Novartis, just to name a few, and he’s even helped to launch at least two other pharmaceutical companies. Califf also had a job at Duke University working with drug companies and the FDA to speed new meds through the approvals process.
Dr. Califf’s appointment was approved by by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee last Tuesday, but Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska is threatening to block Califf’s candidacy over the FDA’s approval of genetically engineered salmon.
The FDA approved the GM fish even though more than 2 million people commented during the ‘open comment’ period on its website. They also will not require AquaBounty, the company responsible for bringing GM fish to market, to label it as such, so consumers wouldn’t even know when they are eating it. Like many Americans, Murkowski is appalled that the GM fish was ever approved by the FDA.
“She said she would put a hold on Dr. Califf’s candidacy because the FDA approved a genetically engineered salmon for consumption days after she questioned him on the topic at his confirmation hearing in November.”
Califf is currently the deputy commissioner of the FDA.
“If they are trying to get my support, they sure fumbled that ball,” said the Senator.
“I will not stand back and just watch these genetically engineered creatures be placed in our kitchens and on our tables without a fight,” she said in a statement following the after FDA’s approval of GMO salmon. “I am furious about this decision, but now I must do everything I can to make sure it is labeled—consumers have a right to know what it is they are eating.”
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