Biotech Updates

USDA Pushes Reform on Animal Biotech Regulations

June 16, 2021

Photo Source: Agri-Pulse

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is undertaking reforms on the regulation of animal biotechnology.

According to the framework of the regulatory agenda, USDA is considering appointing the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to be in charge of the assessment of the susceptibility of biotech animals to pests or diseases or if they are capable of transmitting these pests or diseases. On the other hand, the Food Safety Inspection Service of the USDA would be responsible for the pre-slaughter food safety assessment.

This move is part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wherein USDA will provide oversight of certain animals developed through genetic engineering intended for agriculture such as swine, cattle, poultry, and catfish.

For more details, read the news article in Agri-Pulse and the press release on the MOU in USDA.



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