Which three agencies comprise the multi-agency safety pathway for GM foods in the United States?
The FDA, the EPA, and the USDA.
The safety assessment for genetically modified foods entering the U.S. market is managed through a collaborative, multi-agency approach involving several key federal bodies, each with a defined area of expertise. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) primarily focuses on ensuring the food itself is safe and does not pose new allergenicity or nutritional risks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a role, often regulating the use of pesticides that might be associated with certain traits. Finally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees the environmental aspects and the cultivation of the modified crops. This tripartite involvement ensures different facets of safety and environmental impact are reviewed before market introduction.
