Genetically Engineered Pigs Approved for Food Use

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the approval of GalSafe pigs, which have a “first-of-its-kind intentional genomic alteration (IGA),” for use in food. “This is the first IGA in an animal that the FDA has approved for both human food consumption and as a source for potential therapeutic uses,” the announcement states. “The IGA in GalSafe pigs is intended to eliminate alpha-gal sugar on the surface of the pigs’ cells. People with Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) may have mild to severe allergic reactions to alpha-gal sugar found in red meat (e.g., beef, pork, and lamb).” FDA reportedly found that “food from Galsafe pigs is safe for the general population to eat” and that the potential impact of the pigs is no greater than from conventional pigs.