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Joint Action to Control Release of GM Animal Material

Ottawa, February 16, 2004 - Federal officials today announced action to control a release of genetically modified animal material from TGN Biotech Inc., a Quebec research firm. When notified by researchers at TGN Biotech Inc., the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Health Canada (HC) and Environment Canada (EC) acted immediately to assess potential risk to human health, limit the distribution of the genetically modified material in animal feed, and determine potential violation of federal regulations. Because of the quick response, very few animals, if any, have consumed the affected feed.

Three female pigs from the research firm were sent to a rendering plant in Quebec. The rendered material was further distributed to a limited number of feed mills and farms. TGN Biotech Inc. develops genetically modified pigs. Only the male pigs produce pharmaceutical proteins for human and veterinary use. These proteins are not present in the female pigs.

Health Canada’s health-risk assessment concluded and advised that, based on the information available, the low levels of rendered genetically modified material in the feed are not likely to result in human exposure or pose a health risk. Environment Canada is in the process of determining whether this error contravenes the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. A similar health risk assessment carried out by the CFIA has concluded that livestock consuming the affected feed are not at risk.

Since the material is an unapproved feed ingredient, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has taken steps to detain the rendered product and associated feed. The CFIA is working with the provincial environment ministries in order to ensure appropriate disposal of all products. The CFIA, as part of its responsibilities for the Feeds Act and Regulations, has traced the distribution of rendered products and animal feed to feed mills and farms in Quebec and Ontario. All parties - TGN Biotech Inc., feed mills and farms, distributors, and the renderer - are fully co-operating with the Government of Canada.

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