With the recent FDA approval of genetically modified salmon as safe for human consumption, the gene-editing animal industry has been given a massive boost, despite ethical reservations. The new techniques have reduced the cost and increased the ease of genetically engineering DNA, leading to positive breakthroughs including malaria-proof mosquitoes and swine fever resistant pigs. Also in development are breeding animals for the food chain, including gene-edited pigs that can be fattened with less food, and more tender and meat-yielding Brazilian beef cattle. But there is still much work left before these technologies become commercially available.
With the recent FDA approval of genetically modified salmon as safe for human consumption, the gene-editing animal industry has been given a massive boost, despite ethical reservations. The new techniques have reduced the cost and increased the ease of genetically engineering DNA, leading to positive breakthroughs including malaria-proof mosquitoes and swine fever resistant pigs. Also in development are breeding animals for the food chain, including gene-edited pigs that can be fattened with less food, and more tender and meat-yielding Brazilian beef cattle. However, with no stated regulation from the FDA, public perceptions and approval may be the deciding factor whether the gene-editing industry reaches its potential as farmers will be wary of consumer rejection.