Regulatory Breakthrough: Canada Completes Safety Assessment
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recently announced the completion of independent, comprehensive safety assessments of gene-edited pigs resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), following applications submitted by Genus PLC and PIC Canada, Ltd. Health Canada has determined that food derived from these pigs is as safe and nutritious as pork currently sold in the Canadian marketplace. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed these pigs are also safe and effective for use in livestock feed.
Technical Background: Addressing the Most Costly Swine Disease, Reducing Antibiotic Use
The PRRS virus is one of the most destructive viruses affecting farmed pigs, causing significant economic losses for Canadian producers and driving up pork prices for consumers. Matt Culbertson, Chief Operating Officer of PIC, stated: “We spent years conducting extensive research, validating findings, and collaborating with the Canadian government to secure approval. Today marks a significant step toward the PRRS solution consumers, farmers, and the entire pork industry have anticipated for decades.”
The application of anti-PRRS technology delivers threefold benefits:
Improved animal welfare: Reducing disease-related suffering in pigs
Reduced antibiotic dependency: Studies indicate PRRS increases antibiotic requirements by over 200%
Lowered environmental impact: Enhancing farming efficiency while minimizing resource consumption
Global Progress: Six Countries Have Approved or Recognized
Currently, gene-edited pigs resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) have been approved or recognized in six countries:
Full Approval:
United States: FDA approved in April 2025
Canada: Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency completed safety assessments
Positive Determination:
Colombia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Argentina have issued positive determinations recognizing these pigs as non-genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and should be treated like conventional pigs.
Notably, although Canada has completed the approval process, Genus PLC stated it will not market these pigs in Canada until regulatory authorizations are obtained in other key markets. The company commits to maintaining the highest level of transparency and will inform the public when the new technology enters the Canadian market.
Technical Analysis: Gene Editing vs. Transgenic Technology
These PRRS-resistant pigs utilize gene editing technology, not traditional transgenic technology (GMO).
The key distinctions between the two are:
Gene Editing: Precisely modifying or deleting existing genes without introducing foreign species genes
Transgenic Technology: Inserting gene fragments from other species
This technical distinction has led multiple countries to classify gene-edited pigs as non-GMO in regulatory terms.
Consumer Attitudes: High Acceptance
A large-scale survey commissioned by PIC and conducted by Circana in late 2025 revealed positive market prospects. Covering over 5,000 pork consumers across eight key countries (representing diverse genders and ages 18-70), the survey found:
90% of Canadian consumers are willing to purchase gene-edited pork
“Responsible reduction of antibiotic use” ranked as consumers' top purchasing motivation
This data indicates that the public is open to using technology to improve food safety and animal welfare.
Regulatory Transparency: Labeling Standards Under Review
The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of genetically engineered information to consumers. Since November 2025, the government has collaborated with the Canadian General Standards Board to conduct a public review of the “National Standard for the Labeling and Advertising of Genetically Engineered and Non-Genetically Engineered Products.” The Canadian Food Inspection Agency will use this standard to provide food labeling guidance to businesses.
This initiative reflects the government's efforts to strike a balance between advancing technological innovation and safeguarding consumers' right to informed choice.
Conclusion
Canada's approval of PRRS-resistant gene-edited pigs marks a significant advancement for the global livestock industry in combating major diseases, reducing antibiotic dependence, and enhancing sustainability. As more countries complete regulatory assessments, this technology holds promise for improving animal welfare, ensuring food safety, and reducing the environmental footprint of animal agriculture worldwide.
Disclaimer: Some article materials are sourced from the internet. Sources are clearly indicated, and copyright belongs to the original authors. Content is provided for reference only. Should any infringement of the original author's rights occur, please contact us promptly for removal.
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recently announced the completion of independent, comprehensive safety assessments of gene-edited pigs resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), following applications submitted by Genus PLC and PIC Canada, Ltd. Health Canada has determined that food derived from these pigs is as safe and nutritious as pork currently sold in the Canadian marketplace. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed these pigs are also safe and effective for use in livestock feed.
Technical Background: Addressing the Most Costly Swine Disease, Reducing Antibiotic Use
The PRRS virus is one of the most destructive viruses affecting farmed pigs, causing significant economic losses for Canadian producers and driving up pork prices for consumers. Matt Culbertson, Chief Operating Officer of PIC, stated: “We spent years conducting extensive research, validating findings, and collaborating with the Canadian government to secure approval. Today marks a significant step toward the PRRS solution consumers, farmers, and the entire pork industry have anticipated for decades.”
The application of anti-PRRS technology delivers threefold benefits:
Improved animal welfare: Reducing disease-related suffering in pigs
Reduced antibiotic dependency: Studies indicate PRRS increases antibiotic requirements by over 200%
Lowered environmental impact: Enhancing farming efficiency while minimizing resource consumption
Global Progress: Six Countries Have Approved or Recognized
Currently, gene-edited pigs resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) have been approved or recognized in six countries:
Full Approval:
United States: FDA approved in April 2025
Canada: Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency completed safety assessments
Positive Determination:
Colombia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Argentina have issued positive determinations recognizing these pigs as non-genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and should be treated like conventional pigs.
Notably, although Canada has completed the approval process, Genus PLC stated it will not market these pigs in Canada until regulatory authorizations are obtained in other key markets. The company commits to maintaining the highest level of transparency and will inform the public when the new technology enters the Canadian market.
Technical Analysis: Gene Editing vs. Transgenic Technology
These PRRS-resistant pigs utilize gene editing technology, not traditional transgenic technology (GMO).
The key distinctions between the two are:
Gene Editing: Precisely modifying or deleting existing genes without introducing foreign species genes
Transgenic Technology: Inserting gene fragments from other species
This technical distinction has led multiple countries to classify gene-edited pigs as non-GMO in regulatory terms.
Consumer Attitudes: High Acceptance
A large-scale survey commissioned by PIC and conducted by Circana in late 2025 revealed positive market prospects. Covering over 5,000 pork consumers across eight key countries (representing diverse genders and ages 18-70), the survey found:
90% of Canadian consumers are willing to purchase gene-edited pork
“Responsible reduction of antibiotic use” ranked as consumers' top purchasing motivation
This data indicates that the public is open to using technology to improve food safety and animal welfare.
Regulatory Transparency: Labeling Standards Under Review
The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of genetically engineered information to consumers. Since November 2025, the government has collaborated with the Canadian General Standards Board to conduct a public review of the “National Standard for the Labeling and Advertising of Genetically Engineered and Non-Genetically Engineered Products.” The Canadian Food Inspection Agency will use this standard to provide food labeling guidance to businesses.
This initiative reflects the government's efforts to strike a balance between advancing technological innovation and safeguarding consumers' right to informed choice.
Conclusion
Canada's approval of PRRS-resistant gene-edited pigs marks a significant advancement for the global livestock industry in combating major diseases, reducing antibiotic dependence, and enhancing sustainability. As more countries complete regulatory assessments, this technology holds promise for improving animal welfare, ensuring food safety, and reducing the environmental footprint of animal agriculture worldwide.
Disclaimer: Some article materials are sourced from the internet. Sources are clearly indicated, and copyright belongs to the original authors. Content is provided for reference only. Should any infringement of the original author's rights occur, please contact us promptly for removal.