Q&A

Does the EPA regulate GMOs?

Does the EPA regulate GMOs?

EPA regulates pesticides, including genetically engineered pesticides, under the following two laws: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). With regard to biotechnology, EPA’s jurisdiction under FIFRA covers regulation of the new substance and DNA in the plant when it is pesticidal in nature.

Are GMOs healthy?

Do GMOs affect your health? GMO foods are as healthful and safe to eat as their non-GMO counterparts. Some GMO plants have actually been modified to improve their nutritional value. An example is GMO soybeans with healthier oils that can be used to replace oils that contain trans fats.

How are GMOs regulated for food and plant safety in the US?

U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA regulates most human and animal food, including GMO foods. In doing so, FDA makes sure that foods that are GMOs or have GMO ingredients meet the same strict safety standards as all other foods.

How are GMO crops bad for the environment?

GE crops paired with their pesticide counterparts wreak havoc on the environment through: Despite these negative impacts, U.S. government regulators continue to approve GMO crops.

Is it safe for humans to eat GMO food?

Genetically modified (GM) crops have not been proven safe for human consumption through human clinical trials. Genetically modified ingredients are in 70-80% of food eaten in the United States, even though there haven’t been any long term clinical trials on humans to determine whether GMO foods are safe. [ 31] [ 32]

Why is there a tolerance exemption for GMO pesticides?

EPA must review toxicity and exposure data just as the Agency does when setting a tolerance. EPA has established tolerance exemptions for registered genetically modified microbial pesticides and plant-incorporated protectants because, based on a thorough scientific evaluation, EPA has found that the tolerance exemptions are safe.