Canadian authorities have approved pigs resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses (PRRSV) for food and animal feed.
On January 23, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced the completion of independent, comprehensive safety assessments on pigs resistant to PRRSV after applications from Genus PLC and PIC Canada Ltd., respectively. Health Canada has concluded that foods made from these pigs are as safe and nutritious for people to eat as pork available in Canada. The CFIA has confirmed that these pigs are also safe and effective for use in livestock feeds.
Improving resistance to PRRSV in pigs will help farmers avoid illness in their herds from these viruses, reduce antibiotic use and improve animal welfare, while supporting a more stable, affordable and sustainable food supply.
Genus PLC's PRRSV-resistant pigs are already permitted for food use in the U.S., Brazil, Colombia and the Dominican Republic. Genus PLC has indicated that even though Canada has approved the sale of PRRSV resistant pigs, the company does not intend to sell these pigs before further regulatory authorization in other key markets. The company and Health Canada are committed to the highest level of transparency and will communicate to the public when this new technology enters the Canadian market.
While genetically engineered foods are considered as safe and nutritious as conventional foods, the government of Canada recognizes that information about genetic engineering is important. That is why it has been working with the Canadian General Standards Board since November 2025 on a public review of the National Standard for labeling and advertising of foods that are, and are not, products of genetic engineering. The CFIA uses this standard to provide its guidance to companies on the labeling of foods.
