Federal Regulation of Genetically Modified Plants

Abstract

Genetically modified plants (GMPs) are the products of transgenic modification, a process by which a gene from one species (the transgene) is isolated and inserted into the genome of another species (the recipient) in order to cause the recipient to produce a protein from the donor species. Because the transgene is obtained from another species, it would never be found naturally in the recipient. Because GMPs are so new, the long-term effects of consuming foods containing foreign proteins, and of introducing those plants into the ecosystem, are still unknown.Proponents of GMPs point to the many health-related and economic benefits of having plants express foreign proteins. Critics of GMPs worry that consumers may unknowingly consume substances to which they are allergic or physiologically intolerant because the source of the transgene is not always stated in the list of ingredients. Additionally, without proper regulation, insect- or herbicide-resistant GMPs may out-compete unmodified plants, thus causing environmental and ecological damage by decreasing biodiversity.In response to the piecemeal nature of the current regulatory system for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), commentators have proposed various solutions, including a comprehensive regulatory scheme for GMOs, and professional oversight of agency decisions. However, a more effective option would be to create a new federal agency dedicated to GMO regulation. This agency should then require manufacturers to list all transgenic ingredients on product labels.