Would you eat ‘gene-edited’ meat?

CONSUMERS are being asked their views on eating meat from “gene-edited” animals that have been selectively bred by researchers seeking to eradicate livestock disease.

The science involves altering the DNA code of an animal or plant at precise points to introduce specific characteristics.

Scientists have already used gene editing to produce pigs that are resistant to the fatal and costly disease known as Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome.

An online survey is now seeking public opinions on the technology,

with the responses being used to inform work being carried out at Edinburgh University’s Roslin Institute.

The process is distinguishable from genetic modification, which generally refers to the transfer of genes from one species to another, researchers said.

The scientists are working with the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health in Edinburgh

and experts in Africa to explore how gene editing could be used to benefit farmed animals in tropical climates, and to improve the security of food supplies in low and middle-income countries.

Prof Bruce Whitelaw, from the Roslin Institute, said: “It is no longer a question of whether we can use gene editing technology to improve livestock health but rather whether we should use it.

“We need to better understand public opinion to inform how these technologies are used and also how they should be regulated.”

Prof Appolinaire Djikeng, director of the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics, said: “Livestock farming is a reliable source

of food for people living in extreme poverty and creates economic opportunities for farmers.

“Gene editing could provide opportunities to produce healthier and more resilient animals for vulnerable farmers, and help address some of the challenges associated with rearing animals in tropical climates.”

The survey was announced at yesterday’s annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington DC, where experts from the university are discussing their work.

“With bioscience transforming our ability to understand these challenges, we are better equipped to develop new and innovative ways to address them

and it is important that the public are engaged in the dialogue,” said Prof Melanie Welham, of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, which

is funding the research. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, founded by the former boss of the technology giant Microsoft, is also involved.

The Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, has said gene editing “holds out the promise of dramatically accelerating” the gains made by scientists in selectively breeding livestock.

In an article for The Yorkshire

Post last month, he wrote: “The ability to give Mother Nature a helping hand by driving the process of evolution at higher speed should allow us to develop plant varieties and crops which are more resistant to disease and pests and less reliant on chemical protection and chemical fertiliser.”

Genetically modified foods have been available for decades, and despite fears that they may harm human health, no adverse effects have ever been reported.

It is important that the public are engaged in the dialogue.

Prof Melanie Welham, of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.