GM Pigs
On January 23, 2026, Health Canada announced its approval of a gene-edited pig for human consumption. The meat from these genetically engineered (genetically modified or GM) animals will not be labelled for consumers. These GM pigs are not yet on the market.
- CBAN Press Release – January 25, 2026: Group opposes Health Canada’s approval of gene-edited meat .
There are no genetically modified (GM or genetically engineered) animals sold as food in Canada. The first, and so far only, GM food animal on the market was a GM Atlantic salmon sold in Canada 2017-2024 but production was shut down. A previous attempt to commercialize GM pigs failed when the GM “Enviropig” project was closed.
Take Action
Butcher shops, food companies and farms are asked to sign the pledge not to sell GM meat. Sign here: Company Commitment – No Hidden Genetically Modified Meat.
Demand mandatory labelling: Click here to send your instant letter.
Background
The pigs are genetically engineered using the gene-editing technique of CRISPR, to make the animals resistant to the common PRRS virus (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus). It was developed by the large global animal genetics company Genus and is being promoted by its subsidiary the “Pig Improvement Company” or PIC.
The US Food and Drug Administration approved the gene-edited pig in April 2025 and Genus is also seeking approval in the export markets of Mexico and Japan.
GM Enviropig™
In 2012, the project to commercialize the genetically modified (GM or genetically engineered) pig called “Enviropig” was shut down.
In 2012, the hog industry group called Ontario Pork stopped funding the GM “Enviropig” research at the University of Guelph in Ontario. The university closed down its active research and ended its breeding program of the GM pigs. The GM pigs have been destroyed. The pig was engineered with genetic material from a mouse to reduce phosphorous in its feces. It could have become the first GM food animal approved in the world.
- June 22, 2012 – Press Release: GM “Enviropigs” Meet Dead End: Remaining GM pigs euthanized at the University of Guelph
- April 2, 2012 – Press Release: Genetically Modified Pig Shelved
CBAN Report: Enviropig: Genetically Engineering Pigs to Support Industrial Hog Production, 2010.
More Resources
CBAN background on the gene-edited pig.
CBAN background page on GM animals.
CBAN article: Is There a Future for GE Animals? Watershed Sentinel, September 2025.
CBAN Report: Enviropig: Genetically Engineering Pigs to Support Industrial Hog Production, 2010.
