Tainted animal feed risk downplayed by federal officials

Copyright 2002 Toronto Star Newspapers, Ltd.

The Guelph Mercury
February 19, 2002 Tuesday Final Edition
Pg. A1
By VIK KIRSCH

Procedures have been modified at the University of Guelph since the carcasses of genetically engineered "enviropigs" were accidentally dumped into animal feed.

Last Tuesday the university told the Canadian Food Inspection Agency 11 genetically modified piglet carcasses were mistakenly taken to a rendering plant.

The CFIA, Environment Canada and Health Canada immediately launched investigations.

The federal health department concluded there was no significant risk to human health, CFIA biotechnology division biologist Louise Laferriere said Monday.

"They said there's no real risk to consumers," said Laferriere.

The CFIA is the lead investigating group on the issue.

Health Canada spokesperson Andrew Swift said the release "represents minimal risk to human health" because of the small quantity of material involved.

But Council of Canadians activist Nadege Adam responded genetic engineering is such a new science that no one can guarantee there's little risk.

"How can they say that it's safe? We don't know that it's safe. What's the risk Canadians are being exposed to?" Adam asked.

The piglets were part of a research project, headed by microbiologist Cecil Forsberg, to create less polluting pig waste.

The pigs carry an extra gene producing an enzyme called phytase. It causes the pigs to excrete less phosphorus in their manure. The aim is cleaner waters near farm operations.

Phosphorus promotes algae, which kills marine life by depleting oxygen.

Laferriere said 11 piglets, which either were stillborn or died shortly after birth, were stored in the freezer of a university research facility and destined for incineration.

Incineration is required by law, she said. "It's supposed to be contained. It's not supposed to get out," Laferriere said.

Laferriere said the wrong carcasses were taken to a rendering plant, though she couldn't say when the error occurred. The university discovered it and informed authorities that day, she noted.

The carcasses were added to 675 tonnes of meat cooked at the rendering plant.

The batch was sold to feed mills, where it was made mainly into food for laying hens.

Some became feed for turkeys and chickens destined for the kitchen table.

"We're continuing our investigation into the destination of that feed," said Laferriere, adding the CFIA will try to recall it.

As to the food chickens and turkeys that received the feed, Health Canada has determined the risk to people consuming them is slight, she continued. She said the novel enzyme in the piglets breaks down after five minutes of exposure to temperatures of 100 degrees Celsius.

Laferriere said rendering cooks meat at 120 to 130 degrees C. for two hours.

Therefore, there won't be a recall of the chickens and turkeys, said Laferriere.

Adam argued the poultry products shouldn't be sold. "When in doubt, you don't take a chance."

University of Guelph research vice-president Alan Wildeman said the incident occurred at the university's Ridgetown College campus, where some of the enviropig research is done.

It's not yet clear when the carcasses were taken by a rendering plant employee, but it likely happened in January, said Wildeman.

He stressed the university has relocated the enviropig freezer to another, secure site so such a mistake can't be repeated.

He didn't dismiss the situation, however. "Certainly, we view this as a very important, very serious incident," said Wildeman.

He added the enviropig research will continue, despite the breach. "It is an important research project and is addressing a very serious environmental problem in the agricultural industry."

Laferriere added Environment Canada is seeking ways of ensuring the incident is not repeated.