With the recent FDA approval of genetically engineered salmon as safe for human consumption , the gene - editing technology 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 disease - proof pigs 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 technology reaches its potential as farmers will be wary of consumer rejection .
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.