Reportedly, gene-edited plants will soon be in the grocery store.
But, animals approval is much more difficult because their altered DNA is seen as a veterinary drug.
The FDA has a new Plant and Animal Biotechnology Innovation Action Plan with the details to be revealed next year.
GMO advocates claim the time is now when the FDA will determine whether any gene-edited animals make it to the market.
Gene Hall with Texas Farm Bureau said gene editing is the next step.
"We view it as a boon to the consuming public. In modern agriculture, we're all about producing more, about efficiency and certainly the GMO technology has been a huge part of that," said Hall.
He believes people will buy genetically modified animal products.
Naysayers may call it Frankenfood, but over time, despite any controversy, Hall said people were receptive of bioengineered crops and expects that to happen with animal products, as well.
"As long as we're eating animals, this is a technology that will benefit the consumer, who food and protein products will be more available, and they will be designed, if you will, to meet specific needs," said Hall.
He said in the lab, scientists can produce animal food products that are healthier and perform better. Plus, genetic modification covers a wide variety from growing crops with less water to producing animals that are healthier, leaner and eventually in the future even make animals more resistant to diseases.
Hall said the science is overwhelming as to the safety of genetically modified foods.