The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given their stamp of approval on a German sausage made from gene-edited hogs, by way of the gene-splicing tool CRISPR, saying it is safe for human consumption.
The project to launch these gene-spliced sausages was led by Jon Oatley, a professor in the School of Molecular Biosciences in Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. According to the school’s press release, Oatley and team plans to eventually seek regulatory approval for a line of other gene-edited pigs. ‘Oatley uses the gene-editing tool CRISPR to improve genetic traits in livestock,’ the college says.
‘He undertook the investigational food use authorization process for five gene-edited pigs to demonstrate that food made from the animals is safe to eat and that it is possible for an academic institution to achieve this type of FDA authorization,’ the university added in its release.
The pigs were two-years-old and processed at the WSU Meat Lab, with the United State Department of Agriculture inspecting the process as it does with other meats and food products.
SEE: FDA Fast-Tracks Clearance For Gene-Edited CRISPR Cattle For Meat Consumption
Moreover, WSU further explained:
The pigs were originally gene-edited in a way that would enable researchers to use them to sire offspring with traits from another male pig. Known as surrogate sires, this technology first gene-edits male animals to be sterile by knocking out a gene called NANOS2 that is specific to male fertility. These animals can then be implanted with another male’s stem cells that create sperm with that male’s desired traits to be passed on to the next generation.
Essentially a high-tech form of selective breeding, surrogate sire technology can greatly expand dissemination of valuable genetics in livestock. It has the potential to not just improve meat quality but the health and resilience of livestock in the face of changing environmental conditions, a critical goal for increasing protein sources in developing nations.
It’s important for a university to set the precedent by working with federal regulators to get these animals introduced into the food supply. If we don’t go through that process, all of the research we’re doing is for naught because it will never make it out into the public.
The original intent in making these animals was to try to improve the way that we feed people. And we can’t do that unless we can work with the FDA system to get these animals actually into the food chain.
There’s a trust that comes with university-based research. At WSU, we’re all about the science. We just want to make sure the research is valid, and the animals we produce are healthy.
Oatley said
Oatley also claims that this technology will be beneficial in a rising world population so more people can be fed, adding that gene-editing has been going on for thousands of years.
Human beings have been modifying the DNA of animals for thousands of years.
Oatley said
AUTHOR COMMENTARY
[1] When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: [2] And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. [3] Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat. Proverbs 23:1-3
No thanks, I’m good on the CRISPR meat.
Oatley’s claims are simply misleading and disingenuous, trying to insinuate that using a modern gene-splicing tool to outright change an organisms DNA is somehow the same thing as selective breeding and hybridization.
Again, this is all a bunch of pseudo-science and fables, that we “need” to do this because the population is growing and we can’t feed people because of “climate change.” If man would just do things actually sustainably, and go back to what worked before then we would not have these issues and disease-laden agriculture; that does admit more carbon BECAUSE the modern conventional practices are not what God intended animals to do and be.
But, the world elites, media, and mad scientists are already making rapid moves towards the gene-editing of everything as the new wave of food and agriculture, that people will just have to accept and swallow. Nope, not for me and not for you. Resist.
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[7] Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? [8] Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? [9] For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? [10] Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. (1 Corinthians 9:7-10).
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