March 5, 2002
		Biotech Pigs In Canadian Food Supply On February 17, the University of Guelph in Canada disclosed that the carcasses of genetically engineered "enviropigs" were added into the food supply after being mistakenly taken to a rendering plant where they were circulated into animal feed. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) concluded that there was no significant risk to human health, said biotechnology division biologist Louise Laferriere. Health Canada spokesperson Andrew Swift said that because only 11 carcasses were involved, the mix up "represents minimum risk to human health." Council of Canadians activist Nadege Adam, however, said that the risk is unknown because the technology is so new and untested. "How can they say it's safe? We don't know that it's safe. What's the risk Canadians are being exposed to?" Adam asked. Microbiologist Cecil Forsberg was keeping the pigets as part of a research project to breed pigs that produce less polluting waste. According to Laferriere, the piglets were either stillborn or died soon after birth. Their bodies were stored in the freezer of a university research facility and intended for incineration. Sometime in January, these carcasses were mistakenly taken to a rendering plant, and added to 675 tons of meat cooked at the facility. The meet was then sold to feed mills, where it was made primarily into feed for laying hens. "We're continuing our investigation into the destination of that feed," said Laferriere, adding that the CFAI will attempt to recall it. She maintained, though, that it shouldn't be dangerous because the novel enzyme in the piglets breaks down while cooking. Adam argued that the chicken products shouldn't be sold. "When in doubt, you don't take a chance." University of Guelph research vice-president Alan Wildeman said that while they are taking measures so that such a mistake isn't repeated. "Certainly, we view this as a very important, very serious incident."