ABSTRACT

Pesticidal genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are regulated under Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) in much the same way as traditional chemical pesticides. Under FIFRA, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to address all environmental and human health issues associated with pesticide use. EPA does not yet have any rules governing genetically modified animals. In October 1984, EPA published a policy statement entitled microbial pesticides: Interim Policy on Small Scale Field Testing. Another category of pesticidal GMOs regulated by EPA under FIFRA are genetically modified pesticidal plants, or plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs). The USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have authority to regulate GMOs pursuant to the Plant Protection Act (PPA). In the 2001 final PIP rule, EPA adopted an exemption from certain Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) standards for PIPs. As with the FIFRA PIP exemptions, EPAs FFDCA exemption for PIPs focuses on sexual compatibility through conventional breeding.