USDA, EPA and FDA, working within the coordinated framework and existing laws, evaluate the safety of plant biotechnology products from inception to final approval. For herbicideresistant crops, EPA regulates the herbicide applied to the crop, not the resistance trait itself. Although traditionally bred plants, such as heartier hybrids, generally do not need federal pre-market approval, plant biotechnology products are screened by at least one and often by as many as three federal agencies. For example, tomatoes developed with delayed ripening qualities would be reviewed by USDA for field safety and FDA for food safety. More on laws governing biotechnology .
Regulatory oversight is constant throughout the process.
Throughout, the public has ample opportunity for participation and comment, and data on which regulatory decisions are based are readily available. 6 Opportunities to Speak Out NIH Discovery of a potentially marketable biotech plant triggers NIH involvement. Following NIH guidelines, an advisory group of scientists, company employees and citizens evaluates the plant for potential health and environmental risks. If further laboratory research poses unacceptable risk, the committee may recommend a halt to development. More on research, development and biosafety .