Regulatory Process
U.S. and Canadian government agencies are supposed to review food products before they are made available on our food shelves. In the United States, three government agencies are potentially responsible for reviewing the safety of genetically modified foods before they can be placed in the market: the USDA, FDA and EPA. In Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada, are responsible for the regulation of biotechnology foods. USDA The U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for protecting U.S.
agriculture from pests and diseases. USDA’s review
process includes opportunities for the public to comment.
The public will be invited to comment via notices in the
Federal
Register
FDA The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for the safety of food and animal feed. EPA The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees the safety of pesticides, including pesticide-resistant plants. CFIA The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) oversees the regulation of the environmental release of plants with novel traits. Health Canada Health Canada is responsible for administering the provisions of the Food and Drugs Act, including ensuring the safety and nutrition of new foods. Related content: USDA
biotechnology FAQs
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About
the regulatory process