Consumer groups and businesses ask USDA to tighten GMO regulations

Dozens of consumer and food groups and businesses filed recommendations with the U.S. Department of Agriculture seeking tighter regulation of genetically engineered crops and calling the current system a “failure.”

The USDA has said it is considering changes to the way it regulates biotech crops and set a public comment period that expired June 22.

In the recommendations filed, the groups said the government needs to do more to adequately protect the “environment, economy, farmers, consumers and public health.”

The groups signing on to the recommendations include the National Family Farm Coalition, the Organic Consumers Association, Clif Bar & Co., Nature’s Path and 34 other organizations.

The groups called on the agency to expand its work to assess the safety of GMO crops for human and animal consumption and closely monitor genetically engineered crop production systems for weed resistance problems or harm to ecosystems. They also said the agency needs to work harder to prevent contamination of non-GMO crops by GMO crops.

Biotech crop supporters say there is a wealth of evidence that the GMO crops on the market are safe and already well regulated.

Ed Curlett, a spokesman for APHIS, said the agency’s next step would be to review the comments submitted.

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: Tighter controls urged as USDA eyes regulation of GMO crops

{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }}
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }}
{{ options.labels.newReviewButton }}
{{ userData.canReview.message }}
screenshot at  pm

Are pesticide residues on food something to worry about?

In 1962, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring drew attention to pesticides and their possible dangers to humans, birds, mammals and the ...
glp menu logo outlined

Newsletter Subscription

* indicates required
Email Lists
glp menu logo outlined

Get news on human & agricultural genetics and biotechnology delivered to your inbox.