Health Canada has confirmed that food derived from genetically engineered pigs resistant to a porcine virus is safe and nutritious for consumption. The pigs, resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses (PRRSV), have been deemed safe for use in food and livestock feeds by federal regulators. Genus PLC and PIC Canada, Ltd., based in the UK and Winnipeg, respectively, applied for approval from Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to introduce these gene-edited products to the market for food and feed purposes.
Health Canada stated that enhancing resistance to PRRSV in pigs can help prevent illnesses caused by these viruses, reduce antibiotic usage, improve animal welfare, and contribute to a more sustainable and affordable food supply. Genus PLC’s resistant pigs are currently authorized for food consumption in the U.S., Brazil, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic, with plans to wait for regulatory approval in other significant markets before selling in Canada.
Unlike genetically modified salmon developed years ago, the PRRSV-resistant pigs were created using CRISPR gene-editing technology, ensuring precise genetic alterations without introducing genetic material from other species. This marks the first gene-edited animal approved for commercial sale in Canada. Gwendolyn Blue, a geography professor at the University of Calgary specializing in gene editing’s societal implications, highlighted various ethical, moral, and political concerns regarding the approval process, including safety assessments and Canada’s biotechnology regulations.
Genus PLC explained that they eliminated a specific gene portion necessary for the PRRS virus to infect pigs in order to breed pigs resistant to PRRS. Health Canada and Genus PLC have committed to maintaining transparency and informing the public when these pigs become available in the Canadian market.
CRISPR technology has also been utilized in medical applications, with recent advancements such as personalized gene therapy for a baby with a severe genetic disease in the U.S. in 2025. In 2023, the UK authorized the first gene therapy treatment for sickle cell disease and thalassemia, genetic disorders affecting hemoglobin-carrying genes in red blood cells.