The FDA has done it again. They have approved another genetically engineered animal without the proper safety precautions!

As reported on Food Dive by author Megan Pionski

• The Food and Drug Administration approved genetically modified pigs for use in food and medicine. GalSafe pigs, made by regenerative medicine company Revivicor, have been modified to remove alpha-gal sugar from the surface of the animals' cells.

• Some people are allergic to alpha-gal sugars, which naturally occur in the cells of most mammals. The cause of this allergy, known as alpha-gal syndrome, is believed to be lone star tick bites. However, GalSafe pigs were only reviewed for allergen safety in pharmaceutical uses. They were not reviewed for safety when consumed by someone with an alpha-gal allergy, though the department affirms the meat is safe to consume in general.

• Genetically modified — or bioengineered — food products are controversial among some consumers. Per a 2016 law, all food products that contain detectable bioengineered DNA will be required to have a label denoting that. While some food companies have started disclosing bioengineered ingredients, all products must be labeled as such by 2022. There is currently one other GMO animal protein product approved for human consumption: AquAdvantage salmon.

Moms Across America is extremely concerned about the consumption of this GMO "GalSafe" Pig. Despite the noble intentions to create medicine and meat that will not affect the 5000 people who have been bitten by a Lone Star tick and have developed an allergy to meat, approving this meat for human consumption without safety trials on consumption, is reckless, unscientific, and beyond irresponsible. It is a direct violation of their obligation they are charged with at the FDA. They simply need to do their jobs!

The meat will not be in grocery stores...yet. It will first be available by mail order. It is unclear who the customers will be. Restaurants? Hospitals? Prisons? School cafeterias? Senior centers? Universities? Pre-made meal companies?

One thing we know for sure is that we will not be ordering pork at any non organic restaurant or establishment unless the FDA removes this GMO Pig approval from the market.

Here is the main FDA page with all their info on Animals with Intentional Genomic Alterations: