Q. What U.S. agencies regulate biotechnology?

A. The USDA, the FDA, and the EPA all have a role in regulating agricultural biotechnology.

USDA
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA is responsible for protecting American agriculture against pests and diseases. The agency regulates the field testing of genetically engineered plants and certain microorganisms.

FDA
The FDA is responsible for the safety and proper labeling of all plant-derived, genetically engineered food and feed. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the FDA ensures that food and feed manufacturers meet regulations and standards.

EPA
The EPA regulates the sale, distribution, and use of all pesticides in the environment, including those that are produced by an organism through techniques of modern biotechnology. The EPA also sets tolerance limits for residues of pesticides on and in food and animal feed.

For addition information visit the United States Regulatory Agencies Unified Biotechnology Web site.

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