Mrigakshi Dixit of Interesting Engineering reports that the FDA has approved gene-edited pigs from UK firm PIC for human consumption. Using CRISPR, the pigs resist PRRS, a major swine disease, potentially cutting antibiotic use, improving animal welfare, and lowering emissions. The pork is unchanged in taste or safety, with market availability expected by 2026. Dixit writes:
The US Food and Drug Administration has given the green light to gene-edited pigs for human consumption.
PIC, a UK livestock genetics company, has developed gene-edited pigs using CRISPR technology. These pigs are resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), a major disease in the swine industry.
“We have spent years conducting extensive research, validating our findings and working with the FDA to gain approval,” said Matt Culbertson, PIC’s Chief Operating Officer. […]
According to Gizmodo, PIC anticipates that its PRRS-resistant pigs won’t be available for purchase in the US until at least 2026.
The simplicity of PIC’s gene-editing approach and the PRRS resistance may lead to these pigs becoming the first widely consumed gene-edited livestock.
Read more here.
