Open AccessUS regulatory system for genetically modified [genetically modified organism (GMO), rDNA or transgenic] crop cultivars
Author(s) -
McHughen Alan,
Smyth Stuart
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
plant biotechnology journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.525
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1467-7652
pISSN - 1467-7644
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-7652.2007.00300.x
Subject(s) - regulatory agency , legislation , agency (philosophy) , agricultural biotechnology , genetically modified organism , genetically modified crops , microbiology and biotechnology , biosafety , regulatory science , biology , agriculture , genetically engineered , food and drug administration , politics , organism , business , transgene , political science , public administration , genetics , gene , law , sociology , ecology , pharmacology , social science
Summary This paper reviews the history of the federal regulatory oversight of plant agricultural biotechnology in the USA, focusing on the scientific and political forces moulding the continually evolving regulatory structure in place today. Unlike most other jurisdictions, the USA decided to adapt pre‐existing legislation to encompass products of biotechnology. In so doing, it established an overarching committee (Office of Science and Technology Policy) to study and distribute various regulatory responsibilities amongst relevant agencies: the Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency and US Department of Agriculture. This paper reviews the history and procedures of each agency in the execution of its regulatory duties and investigates the advantages and disadvantages of the US regulatory strategy.