Dolly the sheep’s grandchildren might be in for trouble after food products from cloned animals were deemed safe to eat last week, but local experts don’t expect to see cloned products on store shelves anytime soon.
The Food and Drug Administration announced last week food from cloned animals and their offspring is safe for consumption.
George Smith, an MSU associate professor of animal science, said the immediate impact of the FDA’s decision is slight due to hefty costs associated with cloning, but the future of agriculture is beginning to change.
“The cost and efficiency is not very practical at this point,” Smith said.
“I think there certainly is potential and this will have an impact on traditional animal agriculture, but we’re a long ways from that.”
The offspring of cloned animals would be used for manufacturing dairy, beef and pork, while the clones would be reserved for breeding purposes.
“They’re too expensive to eat at this point,” said Kathleen Hawkins, executive vice president of the Michigan Cattlemen’s Association. “There are fewer than 600 clones in existence.”
Citizens worried about consuming cloned food products have the U.S. Department of Agriculture on their side.
The USDA recently recommended keeping food from animal clones off the market. The department believes there should be a period of time for educational programs and that an acceptance period could cure consumer woes about this new technology.
By giving apprehensive eaters time to learn more about the products and why they’re safe, acceptance should follow soon after, Hawkins said.
“The same thing happened with microwaves,” she said. “When they first came into use in the home, there were questions.
“With any new technology, it takes a little bit of information and discussion before people will accept it completely.”
Jose Cibelli, an MSU professor of animal biotechnology, said he believes the USDA’s recommendation will create confusion in the minds of buyers.
“People should be entitled to know what they’re eating. I agree with that 100 percent,” Cibelli said. “In a way, you are sending a double message.”
Globally, companies are embracing this new agricultural milestone and consumers shouldn’t worry about cloned products because they are indistinguishable from natural born livestock, Cibelli said.
“You can explain many, many times that these animals are similar, but there are always going to be people who trust the government and who are apprehensive,” he said.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
