Shares in biotech group AquaBounty Technologies Inc (LON:ABTU, OTC: AQBT) leapt well clear as it emerged its GM salmon could soon be on sale at supermarket shelves in Canada.
Health Canada has approved the group's AquAdvantage Salmon (AAS) for commercial sale in Canada.
In addition, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ruled that feed ingredients derived from AAS do not pose concerns for use as a livestock feed.
This is the first genetically engineered food animal to be approved for sale.
Shares in London surge
Shares rocketed over 350% in London to stand at 61.5p, to make it the top London riser.
The latest milestone of the company comes after November last year, when the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the genetically enhanced salmon for production, sale and consumption.
The fish is an Atlantic salmon, which has been enhanced to reach market size in less time than a conventionally farmed fish.
This is due to the addition of genes from a Chinook salmon and an eel known as an ocean pout.
AquaBounty chief Ronald L. Stotish said: "We are pleased to receive the approvals of the various authorities of Canada which means we can produce, sell and eat our AquAdvantage Salmon in Canada.
"Alongside the approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November 2015, there are now two independent reviews by two of the most sophisticated and demanding regulators in the world and both have come to the same conclusion.
"We look forward to bringing our nutritious salmon to consumers to enjoy in an environmentally responsible manner without damaging and exploiting the oceans, with the assurance it is as safe and healthy as the Atlantic salmon they are eating now."
GM foods becoming more common
AquaBounty has a facility in Canada and a production centre in Panama, and reportedly, has said it will be at least a year or more before the firm has any production of market-sized fish.
Health Canada said GM foods are becoming more common and are a regular part of Canadians' diets.
But campaigners have argued there wasn't sufficient public input into the review process, and the fish should be labelled as such at the least.