Comment to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, re: Importation, Interstate Movement, and Environmental Release of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms

CSPI supports science- and risk-based oversight by USDA of genetically engineered (GE) crops to ensure they are safe to humans and the environment before farmers can grow them. While CSPI supports some of the proposed changes, CSPI is concerned that the proposal eliminates USDA oversight of some “traditional” GE crops, which could result in harm to the environment or agricultural interests. The gaps in regulation resulting from the proposed rule changes, which are set forth below, need to be addressed by USDA before any changes to 7 CFR part 340 are finalized.