Biotech Updates

US Regulation of Biotech Crops to be Revised

September 7, 2007

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants to revise the regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It proposes to expand its authority from plants that might endanger other plants to "the full range of potential agricultural and environmental risks posed by these organisms, including risks to public health". The agency also prefers a tiered program, with different regulations for different levels of risk, and special rules for organisms that produce compounds used in industry or pharmaceutical products. Public comment will be collected until 11 September; then the USDA will write a proposed rule that would have its own public comment period. Only then will the final rule be published.

To read more visit http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v449/n7158/full/449009b.html.