Washington State University (WSU) has received authorisation from the U.S. FDA to introduce gene-edited pigs into the food chain for human consumption.
The FDA authorisation is investigational and limited to particular pigs but shows that gene-editing livestock can be a viable strategy for helping feed the planet’s growing population.
“It’s important for a university to set a precedent by working with federal regulators to get these animals introduced into the food supply,” said Jon Oatley, a professor in the School of Molecular Biosciences in WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
“If we don’t go through that process, all of our research will be for naught because it will never be made public.”
The gene-editing tool CRISPR was used to improve genetic traits in livestock, and five gene-edited pigs were used in the authorisation process to demonstrate that food made from the animals is safe to eat and that an academic institution can achieve this type of FDA authorisation.
The pigs were processed at the WSU Meat Lab, where meat scientist Blake Foraker made some pork into sausages. They were initially gene-edited to enable researchers to use them to sire offspring with traits from another male pig.
This surrogate sire technology can improve meat quality and the health and resilience of livestock in the face of changing environmental conditions.
The FDA waived some fees for nonprofits like universities, but by the time the process was completed, Oatley’s team had spent two years and approximately $200,000 collecting data for this authorisation.
“The original intent in making these animals was to improve how we feed people, but we can’t do that unless we can work with the FDA system to get these animals into the food chain.”
Only one other organisation, a company by the name of Acceligen, has had a gene-edited animal receive the FDA's approval to enter the food supply.
Oatley said the public often needs more clarification about gene editing. He hopes the WSU example will help dispel misinformation and improve perceptions of this technology.
“There’s a trust that comes with university-based research. At WSU, we’re all about the science. We just want to ensure the research is valid and the animals we produce are healthy.”
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