Answer:
The regulation of genetically modified (GM) foods in the United States is overseen by several government agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Here are some of the key laws and regulations affecting GM foods in the United States:
FDA regulation: The FDA regulates GM foods as "foods" under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). GM foods are subject to the same safety requirements as other foods, including pre-market review by the FDA to ensure that they are safe to eat.
USDA regulation: The USDA regulates GM crops under the Plant Protection Act. GM crops that are intended to be grown in the United States must undergo a review process to ensure that they are not harmful to other plants or to the environment.
EPA regulation: The EPA regulates GM crops that are engineered to produce pesticides or other chemicals under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
Coordinated Framework for Regulation of Biotechnology: In 1986, the White House issued the Coordinated Framework for Regulation of Biotechnology, which established a framework for regulating GM foods and other biotechnology products in the United States. The framework outlines the roles of the FDA, EPA, and USDA in regulating GM foods and other biotechnology products.
Labeling requirements: In 2016, the USDA established a mandatory labeling requirement for GM foods sold in the United States. The requirement, which went into effect in 2020, requires food manufacturers to disclose the presence of GM ingredients on their product labels.
It's worth noting that the regulation of GM foods in the United States is a complex and evolving issue, and there is ongoing debate over the adequacy of current regulations. Some advocacy groups and consumer organizations have called for stricter regulation of GM foods, while others argue that current regulations are sufficient to ensure their safety.