FDA Move on Salmon Helps Califf Nomination

FDA has announced an import alert on genetically engineered (GE) salmon that would likely lift a hold on FDA commissioner-nominee Robert Califf that was placed by Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) last month until she received reassurances from the agency that GE salmon will be labeled as such. The import alert is the result of Murkowski’s successful efforts to secure a provision in the omnibus bill passed in December that blocks the FDA from introducing the salmon into the market until it publishes labeling guidelines.



Notwithstanding Murkowski’s satisfaction on GE salmon, Califf still faces opposition from several other lawmakers. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) recently said he will filibuster the nomination because of Califf’s strong ties to the pharmaceutical industry. Earlier, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) placed a hold (see story) on the confirmation for the same reason. A separate hold was placed by Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-MA), who called for immediate reforms to the agency’s approval process for opioid painkillers (see earlier story).