European Union - EFSA: Update on the state of play of animal cloning

The present statement follows the EFSA 2009 statement and EFSA 2008 scientific opinion and is based on a review of identified peer reviewed scientific literature up to 1 July 2010, information made available to EFSA following a call for data, discussion with experts in the field of animal cloning and a peer review by external experts. The focus of the statement has been to evaluate information related to aspects of food safety, health and welfare of animal clones and their offspring.

The EFSA 2008 scientific opinion concluded that epigenetic dysregulation is considered to be the main source of adverse effects that may affect clones and result in developmental abnormalities. The health and welfare of a significant proportion of clones, mainly within the juvenile period for bovines and perinatal period for pigs, have been found to be adversely affected, often severely and with a fatal outcome. The use of cloning by SCNT (Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer) in cattle and pigs, has also produced healthy clones and healthy offspring that are similar to their conventional counterparts based on parameters such as physiological characteristics, demeanour and clinical status. In relation to food safety, there is no indication that differences exist for meat and milk of clones and their progeny compared with those from conventionally bred animals. The EFSA 2009 statement confirmed that the conclusions and recommendations of the EFSA 2008 scientific opinion were still valid.