15. Regulation of transgenic plants
In the United States the Coordinated framework for Regulation of Biotechnology governs the regulation of transgenic organisms, including plants. The Government's view, which we share, is that, this is impractical and that the methods recommended by the World Health Organization are adequate to ensure that any possibility of an adverse effect on human health from a GM food can be detected. The three Agencies involved in this are:
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USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service who state that the Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is responsible for regulating the introduction (importation, interstate movement and field release) of Genetically engineered (GE) organisms that may pose a plant pest risk. APHIS protects Agriculture and the environment by ensuring that Biotechnology is developed and used in a safe manner. Through a strong regulatory framework, BRS ensures safe and confined introduction of new GE plants with significant safeguards, to prevent the accidental release of any GE material.
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EPA-Environmental Protection Agency–evaluates potential environmental impacts, especially for genes which produce pesticides.
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DHHS, FDA–Food and Drug Administration–evaluates human health risk, if the plant is intended for human consumption.