No doubt that if you’ve read the major news headlines, especially those pertaining to the meat industry, you’ve seen a lot of stories about mRNA vaccines being introduced in animals used for meat production.

The NCBA recently issued a statement to address growing concerns over whether mRNA vaccines have been or are currently used in American beef production. Earlier this month they stated, “There are no current mRNA vaccines licensed for use in beef cattle in the United States. Cattle farmers and ranchers do vaccinate cattle to treat and prevent many diseases, but presently none of these vaccines include mRNA technology.” They have not yet addressed its future use.

Also absent in their statement is the fact that mRNA vaccines are presently being injected into cattle in some countries currently authorized to export beef into America without any requirements for labeling.

The National Pork Board has also commented on this issue. In an AP article this week, Jason Menke, a National Pork Board spokesperson, is quoted as saying the “decision to use vaccines and other medical treatments to protect animal health and well-being are made by the farmer under the direction of the herd veterinarian.” It’s notable that Mr. Menke didn’t say that mRNA vaccines are not being used in pork production.

My own research over the past week on this topic has shown that pigs have been getting vaccines made from mRNA technology since 2018. Evidence stacking on top of evidence for this seems incontrovertible.

The right thing to do about vaccines of any type is to be crystal clear about their usage and to explain why they may be safe to use. This is also true for antibiotic and hormone use in cattle production. Our industry should never hide what we do, or even be vague about it. Nor should we be shamed for using proven safe methods of raising animals.

If mRNA technology vaccines are going to be used in animal ag, it’s imperative that our industry explain this openly to consumers to keep their trust. We need to be proactively crystal clear about why these vaccines are used and why we believe them to be safe to use. Any lack of transparency in practices or ducking the issue will severely undermine public confidence in meat, which can only end in seriously negative repercussions. No long-term good can possibly come from it. It’s not as if people are never going to figure this out as time goes on.

Why should any food practices be hidden from consumers? Doesn’t our integrity and common decency dictate that people have every right to know what they are putting into their bodies? For instance, would you want insect ‘flour’ to be an ingredient in your food without it being labeled honestly with transparent language? No less is true of our own segment of the food industry. If I am eating bugs, I want this disclosed.

The meat industry needs to be proactive about this issue and not be passively dismissive. If we don’t deal with this issue, then legislatures will.

Self-regulation is always preferable to the often-costly conformity to externally imposed regulations, which are already in the works. Several States are considering controversial bills like Missouri House Bill 1169, which requires the labeling of products potentially capable of transmitting gene-altering interventions.

In response to the medical and ingredient changes being rapidly introduced into global ag, some countries as well, like Hungary and Italy, are already implementing new legal requirements in the labeling of new products and practices on a national level. Will we be next? Or will we self-regulate?

This is a developing issue that we’ll have to keep our eyes on. In the meantime, meat industry, let’s be transparent and explain why we do what we do.

What do you think about this issue?

mRNA vaccine use in animals: Is it happening? Is it safe?

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