The regulation of genetically engineered foods in the United States is conducted by the same group of federal organizations that regulate the safety of food grown by traditional techniques. This act requires individuals to acquire a permit before moving genetically engineered foods between states, into the US, or field testing of genetically engineered organisms outside of a controlled setting. Through the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act, the EPA regulates pesticides.
Genetic engineering enables some plants to produce their own pesticides.
Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, it is mandatory to seek pre-market approval of food additives. Companies are strongly encouraged to consult the FDA about any questions regarding the safety of their product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires food producers to give a common name for their product and provide facts about any claims found on the product s label. As long as the genetically engineered product is not observed to be considerably different from the traditionally produced product then no labeling is required. Labeling of all genetically engineered foods would create a large problem for producers and consumers.