US Approves CRISPR Pigs For Food
The FDA has given the green light for gene-edited pigs to be consumed by humans, marking a significant milestone for CRISPR technology in the food industry. Developed by Genus, a British company, these pigs have been modified to be immune to 99% of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus, which currently causes massive losses in pig farming.
With potential sales to start as early as next year, this innovation could revolutionise pork production in the US. However, Genus still needs to get regulatory approval in key export markets before launching.
Key Points
- The FDA has approved the first gene-edited pigs for human consumption.
- These pigs are engineered to be immune to PRRS, a virus causing significant losses in the pig industry.
- Annual losses due to PRRS are estimated at around $300 million in the US.
- Genus, the company behind this breakthrough, anticipates reaching US markets within the next year.
- Export approval is required in Mexico, Canada, Japan, and China before sales can expand.
Why should I read this?
If you’re into food tech or just curious about the future of farming, this is a must-read! This approval could change the way we source and farm pork, potentially improving both productivity and biosecurity in the food industry. We’ve done the legwork so you can stay ahead of this developing story.