Have Genetically-Enhanced Pork with Mouse Genes for Dinner

Genetically modified animals may arrive as food on the shelves of supermarkets soon, and they may contain genes from other species.  The U.S. government’s steps to begin the approval procedures for allowing genetically modified animals as food may result in new types of fish, cattle, or chicken that either have a higher resistance to disease or yield healthier meat.

Genetically altered animals are created by having a gene from one species of animal inserted by scientists into the DNA of another animal.  This results in the host gene “borrowing” some of the characteristics of the donor animal.  This could make host animals more resistant to disease, or reproduce faster.

Supermarket in the United States may not sell meat from genetically altered animals at this time.  However, a Boston company, Aqua Bounty Technologies, has filed a request to be allowed to make its genetically-engineered, faster-growing salmon available to U.S. supermarkets starting in 2011. There is no difference in taste between the genetically engineered salmon and the “natural” one, according to company officials.

Consumer groups warned that many aspects of genetically-modified foods need to be regulated.  For instance, genetically-modified food should be specifically labeled as such, especially since animals may contain genes from other species.

One issue that needs to be addressed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is what would be the consequences if a genetically-altered animal escaped and began to reproduce with wild animals of the same species.

FDA intends to initially regulate genetically-engineered animals that are intended for human consumption."Genetic engineering of animals is here and has been here for some time, " according to FDA adviser Larisa Rudenko.

In agriculture, genetic engineering is widely employed to create high-yield or disease-resistant crops, and has been slowly accepted by consumers.  However, it is still unclear what the consumers’ attitude toward genetically modified meat is going to be.