Gene edited pork is legal as of this week. You're holding two packages of bacon. Identical price. Identical appearance. One package contains pork with DNA tweaked in a lab using CRISPR. The other doesn't. Health Canada says both are safe, so neither gets labeled. Pick one. You literally cannot tell the difference by taste, smell, or sight. That's not a food safety issue. That's a trust issue.

The industry position: labeling creates fear when the product is safe, so why bother? Counter position: the GMO wars of the 90s happened because they hid it first, then fought the "frankenfood" accusations later. Transparency could have prevented that. This is the same playbook. Gene edited crops (apples, tomatoes) have existed for years without backlash. But Canadians feel differently about animals. Something about legs and living beings triggers unease.

Organic producers already know what happens next. They'll label their meat "not gene edited" and charge premium prices. Everything else converts silently. The front-of-package warning labels just went on sodium and saturated fat to protect you. Gene edited meat gets nothing because it's deemed safe. Safety and trust aren't the same thing.

Topics: gene edited pork, CRISPR technology, food labeling, consumer transparency, organic meat

GUEST: Dr. Sylvain Charlebois | @‌foodprofessor

Originally aired on 2026-01-29

Gene edited pork is legal as of this week. You're holding two packages of bacon. Identical price. Identical appearance. One package contains pork with DNA tweaked in a lab using CRISPR. The other doesn't. Health Canada says both are safe, so neither gets labeled. Pick one. You literally cannot tell the difference by taste, smell, or sight. That's not a food safety issue. That's a trust issue.
The industry position: labeling creates fear when the product is safe, so why bother? Counter position: the GMO wars of the 90s happened because they hid it first, then fought the "frankenfood" accusations later. Transparency could have prevented that. This is the same playbook. Gene edited crops (apples, tomatoes) have existed for years without backlash. But Canadians feel differently about animals. Something about legs and living beings triggers unease.
Organic producers already know what happens next. They'll label their meat "not gene edited" and charge premium prices. Everything else converts silently. The front-of-package warning labels just went on sodium and saturated fat to protect you. Gene edited meat gets nothing because it's deemed safe. Safety and trust aren't the same thing.
Topics: gene edited pork, CRISPR technology, food labeling, consumer transparency, organic meat
GUEST: Dr. Sylvain Charlebois | @&zwnj;foodprofessor
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-29

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.