Several additional points can be considered here, such as the concept of change.
Is there any change taking place in a gene transfer from a prohibited animal to a
permitted animal? Does the gene change the character of the recipient animal or
plant enough to make it prohibited? If not, then istihala (change of state) has taken
place. Most GM products and ingredients fall within this concept. Is the porcine
gene then acceptable? This is still a controversial issue.
Next is safety. Even if safe, if Muslim consumers feel that introducing pig genes
into plants violates their religious responsibility, then such food is considered
doubtful. Pork can be made safe by growing trichinae-free herds, but it remains
haram. Any ingredients derived from pork used in food processing also make the
food haram or at least doubtful for many Muslim consumers. The consumer has
the right to accept or reject the reasoning behind the change. However, the industry,
government agencies, and scholars have an obligation to educate the consumers
about such issues.