Health Canada and federal food regulators say pork from genetically modified pigs is safe for consumers, despite objections from advocacy groups and recent public opposition to similar technologies.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Canadian regulators have approved pork from genetically modified pigs for human consumption, a decision that could allow such products to enter the national food supply without special labeling. Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said late last month that pork from pigs altered to resist porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses is safe for both food and feed, according to a federal announcement.
The approved pigs have been gene edited so that a small portion of a gene associated with susceptibility to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses, commonly known as PRRSV, has been removed. Health Canada stated that foods derived from these animals “are as safe and nutritious for people to eat as pork currently available in Canada.”
The gene-edited pigs were developed by UK-based Genus PLC and Winnipeg-based PIC Canada Ltd., both of which applied for permission to market meat from the animals for human consumption. PRRSV-resistant pigs are already permitted for consumption in the United States, Brazil and Colombia.
Federal officials have not said when meat from the modified pigs could appear on Canadian grocery shelves. Health Canada indicated that the products would not require special labeling, explaining that the pork does not present a greater risk to human health than conventional pork currently sold in Canada.
The approval has drawn criticism from consumer and biotechnology watchdog groups. The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, which opposes the commercialization of gene-edited animals, has publicly campaigned against the policy through its labeling advocacy. Lucy Sharratt, a coordinator with the organization, warned that consumers would not be able to distinguish such products at the point of sale. “If gene-edited pigs actually get produced and sold, Canadians won’t know if the meat in their grocery cart is from these genetically engineered animals,” Sharratt said.
The decision follows a recent pause by Health Canada on a separate initiative involving cloned livestock. Earlier this year, the agency shelved plans to move forward with allowing meat from cloned cattle and swine to be sold without labels after public backlash and criticism from advocacy organizations.
Public opinion surveys suggest skepticism toward such technologies remains widespread. A poll conducted by duBreton found that 74 percent of Canadians believe cloned meat and genetic editing practices do not belong in farm and food systems.
The approval comes amid broader debate over the future of food production, including the expansion of synthetic meats and plant-based alternatives. International discussions about food systems, including those linked to the Great Reset promoted by the World Economic Forum, have emphasized alternative proteins as a way to reduce reliance on traditional livestock.
Media reports have also noted investments by technology and business leaders in alternative protein ventures. Multiple reports have described financial backing by Bill Gates in companies developing lab-grown and plant-based food products. Coverage by CNBC, Business Insider, and Tech Funding News has detailed investments in firms producing synthetic eggs and lab-grown meat, while other reporting has highlighted Gates’ involvement in additional companies focused on alternative and genetically modified foods.
For now, Canadian regulators maintain that gene-edited pork approved under current rules meets existing safety standards, even as debate continues over transparency, labeling, and public oversight of emerging food technologies.